• Virtual Mac on iPad gets macOS running on compatible iPads
• It requires a jailbroken tablet and specific versions of iPadOS
• Its many limitations mean I don’t think it’s worth the hassle

For years, people have been wondering if Apple is ever going to “merge” iPadOS and macOS into some unholy mutant operating system. While Apple has repeatedly and resoundingly denied that’s ever going to happen, one intrepid developer has taken it upon themselves to do the hard work instead. And while the result lets you run full-fat macOS on your iPad Pro or iPad Air, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone but the hardiest of souls.

Dubbed Virtual Mac on iPad, this GitHub project ports macOS onto Apple’s best iPads. That means it’s nothing like Apple’s Sidecar feature, which lets you use an iPad as a second display for a Mac. In the case of Sidecar, the Mac is doing all the processing. With Virtual Mac on iPad, however, it’s your iPad that’s actually running the operating system.

Unfortunately, getting that to actually happen is more than a little convoluted. You can’t even get started unless you’ve jailbroken your iPad, which means hacking it so it can run apps and systems not authorized by Apple. As well as that, the jailbroken iPad must be running iPadOS 16 to iPadOS 16.3.1 — nothing more, nothing less — in order to harness an exploit that was patched in subsequent editions. The requirements so far will probably be enough to put a lot of people off.

If you’ve persevered, you’ll need to add a specified repository to your device and install Virtual Mac on iPad from there. But you’ll need to be aware that even with macOS successfully set up, you won’t be able to log into your Apple Account — since you’re using a jailbroken device with an unofficial port of macOS, you’ll run into problems if you try to sign in, putting features like Find My and iCloud syncing out of reach.

Is it worth it?

Why would you go to all this effort to run macOS on your iPad? Well, there are a few reasons, including accessing Mac-only apps and getting a more portable platform to run macOS on.

But I certainly don’t think it’s a good idea. Apple’s iPadOS and macOS systems have been designed for very different use cases, and simply shoehorning a platform designed for a Mac onto an iPad isn’t a guarantee of success.

For one thing, macOS is made for large screens and input devices like mice and keyboards, while iPadOS works best on smaller screens operated by your fingers and thumbs. Sure, there’s some crossover — I’m aware that you can use mice and keyboards with an iPad, for example — but that doesn’t escape the fact that Virtual Mac on iPad puts the Mac’s operating system on a device it was never intended for.

As well as that, it requires a lot of effort for seemingly very small rewards. There are only a handful of cases where installing Virtual Mac on iPad is worthwhile, at least in my opinion: accessing apps like Xcode and Terminal that aren’t available in iPadOS, for example, or getting macOS on the most portable device possible.

But Apple’s best MacBooks are still lightweight and easy to carry around, and with a touchscreen MacBook Pro rumored to be just around the corner and Sidecar already a thing, the need for something like Virtual Mac on iPad feels limited. Is it worthwhile to go to all this trouble just for an ounce more portability? I’m sure it is for some people, but that number is likely to be vanishingly small.

At the end of the day, I know there will be some people for whom this is a welcome development. But its complicated installation process and limited use case just reinforce for me that Apple is absolutely right not to merge iPadOS and macOS. They’re meant to be separate, just as Apple intended.

Apple's long-rumored product leasing program, which it calls unironically "Apple Upgrade," is finally here, and it looks like a low-cost way to slide into the Apple ecosystem whether on the shiny surface of a gleaming iPhone 17 Pro, a Snoopy-faced Apple Watch, a clamshell Apple Silicon Mac, or an ultra-slim iPad Pro.

With no upfront fee and monthly charges as low as $11.99 a month (it's only available in the US for now), your new Apple Watch might cost you far less than your daily Starbucks mocha latte.

Honestly, this sounds like a great program, especially when you can snap up a powerful MacBook Pro for as little as $38.99 a month. Naturally, most people might be looking at the Upgrade program, a leasing program actually run by Klarna, for their next iPhone and probably the popular iPhone 17 Pro Max, which starts at $34.99 a month. Still, when I asked on a pair of social media platforms (X and Threads) if people would be leasing their next iPhone, the sentiment was decidedly negative.

On Threads and with 199 votes in, 80% said no. On X, with 105 votes, 78% said nah. I was surprised, but some of the responses to my anecdotal polls offered a little insight.

One thing a few talked about was ownership. Apple Upgrade works like most other lease programs, which means ownership is not really a thing. Here are the highlights:

• You have to qualify for the program (might be a credit check)
• You pay a fixed fee for 12, 24, or 36 months
• You're not paying off the cost of the phone
• At the end of the lease term, you own nothing
• You can return the phone
• You can turn it in for an upgrade and continue paying
• A better device (upgrading from an iPhone 17 to an iPhone 17 Pro Max) will increase your monthly fee
• You can buy the leased device at the end of the lease term (it's the full price minus whatever you've paid thus far via the lease program)

Virtually every part of this resembles a typical lease program you might have with an automobile.

"I have an Apple Card for a reason… I like being able to pay it off whenever and ACTUALLY own the thing," wrote brianniesniak on Threads.

The ownership argument is the sole reason I've never leased a car. I always buy them with a substantial down payment and then pay the rest off. Of course, I tend to hold onto my cars for a decade or more. In the world of technology, like smartphones, laptops, watches, and tablets, technical advances are so rapid that it rarely makes sense to hold onto them for that long.

On the other hand, there are people who own their tech for extraordinarily long times and only upgrade when companies like Apple, Microsoft, or a necessary third-party application force them to through lack of support. These days, many companies, including Samsung and Google, tout years of OS and security updates, but in a world of leases, none of that really matters. Every two years, you could have a new device; it will always have the latest software and security protections.

Access for all

"If you can’t buy it, you can’t afford it," argues Mrmarchall on Threads. I mean, isn't that the whole point of credit and lease programs? They throw open the doors of access to these products to those who don't have the funds to cover full purchase. Yes, there is the risk of someone who unexpectedly is unable to afford the lease, and then, if they try to leave the program, they're still on the hook for the remainder of the program (they leave at 3 months and still have to pay 21 months).

Even though most in my poll respondents were anti-lease, some saw the obvious benefits. "People who picked no, you seriously have $1000 laying around?" wrote Ajvizz on Threads.

"Yeah, probably. I can't personally think of any negatives in my situation," surmised Dilpickle1 on Threads.

Others on X pointed to the excellent option of refurbished iPhones, which offer access to pre-owned iPhones (sometimes higher-end models) at far more reasonable prices. And you get the added benefit of true ownership, if that's your thing.

The endless age of subscriptions

Apple Upgrade's inherent lack of ownership and never-ending payments because you're in an endless upgrade cycle does raise some concerns and correlates to an unfortunate and rapidly growing trend.

"It is absolutely crazy that we have entered the era of leased consumer electronics. "Everything is a subscription!" should not be the new normal," wrote Tech Journalist Matthew Keys on X.

I had to agree. Last year I wrote about tech services subscription culture and how companies are now often placing key features behind subscription paywalls. At least in this instance, you're getting the whole device and all its capabilities. The lease only equates to a subscription in that there's an assumption you will jump from one leased device to another, hence the name "Apple Upgrade".

If I were asked, I think I'd look more positively on Apple Upgrade.

Smartphones, laptops, smart watches, desktop computers, and tablets are, in some ways, a fact of life. No one leaves home without a phone in their pocket. Frustration over aging iPhones that can't support the latest OS or whose battery life ends faster than a summer vacation is all too real. The knowledge that with a relatively affordable monthly payment, you're guaranteed a better phone in 24 months might be a relief.

It's an irrefutable fact that as soon as you unbox your shiny new iPhone, it's worth less than it was seconds before. Those who buy cars know that depreciation, which begins the moment you drive it off the lot, is real. It's no different with consumer electronics. Maybe ownership isn't all it's cracked up to be. So what if joining Apple Upgrade means, for the next 24 months, Apple kind of owns you?

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11: Two-minute review

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is the brand’s answer to the iPad Air, with its premium design and compact form factor.

It certainly looks the part, taking cues from Apple with its sleek and minimalist aesthetic. It only comes in two colors — or rather shades, since it’s merely a choice between Grey and Silver. My review unit was the former, and I have to say that I enjoyed its classy appearance.

Beyond this, Samsung has also nailed the S11’s build quality. The one-piece metal chassis feels as expensive as they come, thanks to its incredibly smooth texture (so be careful when holding it) and supreme solidity. It easily ranks among the best tablets in terms of sheer construction.

The display, however, is less impressive. At 11 inches, content already feels squeezed, but the thick inner bezel only exacerbates the issue. What’s more, it's a magnet for dust and debris, while the grabby touchscreen is far from class-leading.

Thankfully, the included S Pen fairs better than fingers. There’s no dragging with the stylus, as it glides effortlessly across the screen. It’s also perfectly responsive and comfortable to grip, thanks to its ergonomic hexagonal form that provides extra security.

As with Samsung’s smartphones, the S11 features numerous first-party apps, which vary in their usefulness. Many fail to offer anything over and above Google’s suite of apps (which also come preinstalled), although I have to concede that some of the AI features, such as those for editing images, impressed me with their effectiveness. The One UI operating system is as clear and as stable as you could hope an Android fork to be, too.

The overall performance of the S11 is also impressive. Whether you're working, browsing, streaming content or even gaming, it can seemingly handle it all. What’s more, it does so while staying relatively cool; only parts of the rear heat up, and never to an uncomfortable degree.

The battery life of the S11 measures up well against its rivals. Samsung claims it can survive 18 hours of continuous streaming, whereas the iPad Air can only manage 10. Charging is quick, too, thanks to its 45W wired charging support.

There are certainly things to like about the S11, such as its premium design and excellent all-round performance. However, the touchscreen is somewhat disappointing. On balance it’s a little hard to recommend over the iPad Air given it it's slightly dearer, but if you want an Apple-inspired design while remaining in the Android realm, the S11 is far from a terrible choice.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Price & availability

• Starts from $899.99 / £869 / AU$1,399
• Available now in two colors
• Very expensive for a small tablet

The S11 starts from $899.99 / £869 / AU$1,399 and is available now in two colorways: Grey and Silver. The base model features 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. All models come with Samsung’s S Pen. If you want cellular capability, you’ll need to part with an additional £50 / AU$250. US customers only get the Wi-Fi-only model.

This is undeniably expensive for an 11-inch tablet, even one as premium as the S11. An equivalent iPad Air model bundled with the Apple Pencil currently costs slightly less. What’s more, it’s one of the best tablets we’ve reviewed, thanks to its excellent performance and display.

If you want to stick with Android, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a great budget alternative to the S11. It comes in at a mere $399.99 / £319 (around AU$570), yet still has a respectable spec and impressive performance. It may have less RAM (8GB), but we still found it capable enough for everyday use.

• Value score: 3/5

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Specs

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Display

• Slight lack of fidelity
• Thick bezel
• Grabby touchscreen

Despite the high 1600 x 2560 resolution of the S11, there’s a slight but noticeable softness and fuzziness to some elements of the UI, as if the resolution is stretched a little too thin for this size of display. This also means that Ultra HD content isn’t quite as pinpoint sharp as you might expect. Thankfully, there’s plenty of brightness and colors are vibrant, so it still makes for a pleasurable viewing experience.

The thickness of the bezel is also disappointing. At 11 inches the display is already small, so you’d think Samsung would want to maximize its real estate to its fullest potential, but instead a thick black border constricts the frame even more.

Perhaps the worst aspect of the display, though, is its touchscreen functionality. I found there was too much friction to perform gestures and swipes easily. What’s more, it’s also prone to attracting debris, more so than other tablets I’ve used. This is not only a visual impediment but no doubt affects the performance of the touchscreen, too.

• Display score: 3.5/5

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Design

• Fabulously premium design
• Compact and relatively light
• Slippery back panel

To say that the S11 takes inspiration from the iPad Air is an understatement. It’s virtually indistinguishable from Apple’s compact tablet, but this isn’t exactly a bad thing, given its stylish looks. However, the S11 lacks the same vibrant color options, with only grey and silver to choose from. My unit was the former and it still looked smart and sleek though.

But the resemblance is more than skin deep. The metal chassis feels just as high-grade as the iPad’s; in fact, it might actually be a cut above the best iPad constructions. The back panel folds around to form the edges, rather than being created from two separate pieces, which is very impressive. On the front, the join to the screen is also close to seamless.

It’s also reassuringly solid and durable, as well as being incredibly smooth. This latter aspect is a slight issue, though, since it can feel quite slippery, so you'll need to take care when holding it upright. At least it’s comfortable to hold, owing to its compact dimensions, minimal weight, and generously rounded corners.

The included S Pen is a fairly basic affair but I found its hexagonal design comfortable and secure. It features a well-placed and easy-to-use button, which is used like a ‘right-click’ to bring up context menus in apps and in the OS itself.

Both of the tablet’s long sides are magnetic, so can be used to attach the S Pen, which is convenient. It’s a shame that the top edge isn’t, though, since it can be awkward to hold the tablet in portrait mode when the stylus is attached to the side. The magnetic hold is strong without making it difficult to remove the stylus when needed.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Software

• Numerous first-party apps
• Their usefulness varies
• OS is clear and fast

Plenty of Samsung apps are preinstalled on the S11. You’ll have to create a Samsung account to use them, which is a frustrating barrier for using any app. At least it’s easy to set one up if you already have a Google account, as you can use these credentials instead.

Although there’s a lot of them, the first-party apps are mercifully unintrusive. And since this is the year 2026, there are plenty of AI features, too. The most interesting of these is the photo assist mode, which allows you to effortlessly edit images to remove certain elements — such as photobombers and unwanted objects — and add others in based on text prompts.

I have to say I was impressed by this mode when I tested it on photos I shot. As with all things AI, its results aren’t perfect every time, but for rescuing images from unwanted aspects and adding all kinds of extra content, it’s a capable and easy-to-use tool. You can also stylize images by selecting presets, of which there are several, from Anime to Pop Art. Again, this is effective a lot of the time, but not always.

There’s also a drawing app with enough basic illustration features to please budding artists. It’s intuitive to use and it was fast and stable during my time with it, without any glaring bugs or slowdowns occurring.

More basic productivity apps are included as well, such as a note taker and a calendar. The main issue with these — and indeed any first-party Android apps that aren’t owned by Google — is that they fail to outperform Google’s counterparts. And given Google’s cloud platform is similarly superior, you’re much better off using its apps if you plan on working across multiple devices.

One UI 8.5 is an intuitive and amenable operating system. As you might expect, it’s very similar to its smartphone counterpart, which is part of the reason why the Galaxy models are some of the best phones around. The UI is clear and uncluttered, and it's quite easy to navigate and adjust settings.

It’s also easy to resize app windows and move them around on screen, since the options to toggle between fullscreen and pop-out windows, as well as minimize them altogether, are ever-present in the top-right corner of every app, just like a desktop app.

However, I found switching between windows in gesture mode too awkward and slow. After dragging from the bottom of the screen, you have to hold your finger in place for a long time until all your app windows are displayed for selecting. What’s more, that aforementioned grabbiness of the touchscreen makes the action even more difficult. I much preferred using the navigation bar, with its three buttons at the bottom much simpler and quicker to use.

• Software score: 3.5/5

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Performance

• Capable all-round performance
• Fluid and responsive S Pen
• Low-fidelity cameras

The S11 performs well at the kinds of tasks you’d expect from a tablet. It can handle web browsing, light productivity, and 4K streaming without any frustrating slowdowns and stutters.

I was pleasantly surprised with its gaming prowess, too. I managed to play Hitman: Blood Money — Reprisal, a fairly demanding mobile game, without issue. It looked great and ran very smoothly, while my controller worked flawlessly over Bluetooth.

What’s more impressive is that the S11 stays relatively cool during such intensive tasks. A few hotspots appear on the back, but these are far from alarming in my experience, with the tablet remaining comfortable to hold.

Despite the aforementioned touchscreen issues, I’m pleased to report that the S Pen fairs a lot better on the screen. Glides and gestures are frictionless and responsive, making it great for all kinds of scenarios, from basic navigation to drawing and note taking. The palm block feature works as intended, too.

Using the S Pen also gives you access to a handy shortcut menu with selectable functions such as screen drawing and AI search. You can also add your own app shortcuts to this menu, which is convenient.

Despite the impressive image editing capabilities, the cameras in the S11 are disappointing. The low megapixel count means photos lack fidelity, and the basic enhancements available in the camera app can’t fix the lackluster quality of the camera hardware.

• Performance score: 4/5

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Battery

The battery life of the S11 is impressive. While its 8,400mAh battery has a lower capacity than the the 11,600mAh one in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, the smaller tablet is less power-hungry.

After a couple of days, it drained to 30%. My use during this time wasn’t constant, but I did use it for a variety of tasks, from productivity and browsing to streaming and gaming. Samsung claims it can stream continuously for 18 hours, and the brand is usually accurate on such matters. This makes it significantly more enduring than the iPad Air, which can last about 10 hours under similar conditions.

Charging the S11 is a quick affair, too, thanks to its 45W wired charging capability, the same as the Ultra’s. It took about a couple of hours to fully replenish in my experience.

• Battery score: 4.5

Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11?

Scorecard

Buy it if…

Don't buy it if…

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Also consider

How I tested the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11

• Tested for several days
• Used for a variety of task
• Tablet reviewing experience

I tested the S11 for several days. I used it for a variety of tasks, from general browsing and light productivity to streaming and gaming.

I also used the included S Pen for drawing, writing, and navigation. I tried its various first-party apps and AI features, and tested the cameras by taking photos and holding video calls. I wasn’t able to use the S11 with the optional Book Cover Keyboard, though.

I have experience reviewing tablets and other mobile devices, such as smartphones and laptops. I’ve also used such devices personally for decades.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: July 2026

• Apple has ended a popular loophole used when buying an iPhone
• It previously let you get an unlocked iPhone on carrier finance
• The workaround still works when purchasing an iPad

For many years, there’s been something of an open secret among Apple fans who want to get a new, fully unlocked iPhone deal with affordable carrier financing. Now, though, Apple has ended this workaround, much to the dismay of the Apple userbase — but there’s better news if you’re thinking of getting an iPad on finance.

The iPhone loophole worked like this. While buying an iPhone on finance from a carrier usually meant it was locked to that provider, buying the same device straight from Apple’s website — even when using carrier financing — got you an unlocked phone.

This applied to both T-Mobile and Verizon contracts, although AT&T users were still locked to their carrier. It meant that you could get the benefit of a generous financing offer or trade-in deal without having to stick with one carrier until your device was paid off.

Now, Apple has changed its terms. In the Frequently Asked Questions section on any iPhone purchase page, Apple has inserted some new language: “If you choose to finance an iPhone through the AT&T Installment Plan, T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan, or Verizon Device Payment Program, your iPhone will be locked to the carrier until paid in full.”

The change hasn’t gone down well with Apple users, who have been lamenting the more restrictive practices that are now in force. On Reddit, comments have ranged from “no idea why carrier locking is still legal,” while another posted commented that the situation is “sad, I was buying phones this way since 2022.”

This situation is not present in every country. Since December 2021 in the UK, regulators have prohibited mobile networks from selling new handsets that are locked to their network. Go to Apple’s UK online store and you won’t see the wording about an iPhone being locked or unlocked.

Better news for iPad buyers

If you’re still interested in getting an Apple device on finance, there’s another option, as Apple has just introduced a 36-month option when buying any of the best iPads equipped with Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity direct from Apple. This offer appears at checkout on Apple’s website and is available for the iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro.

While Apple offers interest-free financing using Apple Card, that spreads the cost over 12 months. The 36-month option means your monthly repayments will be lower, although you also have to factor in the additional cost of cellular service and any extras like an activation fee.

Your current options are AT&T or Verizon. Interestingly, though, you won’t be locked to the carrier while the repayment period is ongoing, as Apple says “You can switch carriers when you purchase an iPad directly from Apple and choose carrier financing as your payment option.” That makes this iPad deal very similar to the recently shuttered iPhone workaround, and it’s unknown if or when Apple will end this loophole.

Aside from Apple, you can also buy an iPad with a 36-month financing plan from carriers. And as noted by AppleInsider, this sometimes involves bill credit or other offers that lower the cost of the iPad, meaning you could get a better deal by not going through Apple itself — although doing so likely means you’ll be locked into using that carrier, rather than being free to switch when buying from Apple. As ever with this sort of thing, shop around to see if you can get a bargain.

It was the news none of us wanted to hear, but at the turn of the new financial year in Australia, Apple made the move to raise Australian prices across its entire product lineup. The tech giant has often been better than other tech companies at absorbing increased supply-chain costs, but the current RAM and component crisis meant it could no longer hold out.

Perhaps the biggest and most upsetting increase affected the delightfully affordable MacBook Neo, but even the iPad wasn’t immune, with the company’s entry-level iPad (A16) seeing its price surge to AU$749, an increase of AU$150.

If you were hoping to grab one for yourself, but were put off by the increase (we wouldn’t blame you), then Amazon could have just answered your prayers, as it has knocked it back down to its pre-increase price of AU$599.

OK, so this might not be the absolute best iPad discount ever — it dropped to AU$499 during the recent EOFY sales — but for Amazon to bring the asking price back down to its longtime RRP is worth shouting about.

At its previous full price of AU$599, we could confidently say that the iPad 11-inch (2025) ranks as the best iPad for most people and the best cheap tablet overall.

Not only does the aforementioned A16 chip mean it’s quick in use, but a 10-hour battery life and crisp 10.9-inch screen make it a stellar choice for scrolling, streaming, video calling and light gaming.

Amazon has only discounted the 128GB variant, and while the Cellular model also gets a discount, it’s nowhere near as impressive as the Wi-Fi-only alternative. Do note, however, that the AU$150 saving only applies to the silver and pink models. The blue colourway is down to AU$699, while yellow has been left untouched.

I don’t expect this discount to last forever, and it’s anyone's guess if and when it’ll receive a similar saving in the future. If you missed out during EOFY and weren’t taken by the Prime Day price, this is an opportune time to pounce.

The recent Apple price hike has sent the cost of the latest iPads spiralling in recent weeks. For the foreseeable future, it's looking like iPad deals may be tougher to come by for Apple fans on a budget.

Not all is lost, however, as I've just spotted a fantastic deal on a slightly older iPad Air model at Best Buy. Right now, you can get the still-great iPad Air 11 with the M3 chipset for $499 (was $749) thanks to a $250 price cut at the retailer.

While it's no longer the latest model, the M3 iteration is just one generation behind. It's still an excellent tablet by almost any metric I can think of — performance, design, display, and even battery life.

I haven't seen the latest Apple iPad Air M4 drop below $749 since the price hikes were announced a few weeks ago. Subsequently, deals on the last-gen devices are looking increasingly attractive. If you can snatch a decent clearance deal (like this Best Buy listing), then it's definitely worth considering.

Today's best Apple iPad Air deal

• See more: check out all of today's tablet deals at Best Buy

Is the iPad Air M3 still worth buying?

The M3 is an older model now, but it's still an excellent tablet by any metric in 2026. The latest model features a quicker chipset (up to 30%) and more RAM, but in terms of display and overall design, it's virtually identical to the M3 version.

Both feature standard 60Hz Liquid Retina LED displays with 500-600 nits of max brightness. That's perfect for everyday browsing, streaming, or taking notes and doodling with the Apple Pencil. If you're just doing the basics, then there's really no reason to stretch for the latest model — the M3 is more than capable and will save you significantly.

Where the latest M4 chipset model pulls ahead is in things like heavy video rendering tasks, high-end gaming, or AI integration. As a newer model, it should also get one more year of guaranteed software updates over the M3 iteration. Apple typically supports iPads for five to seven years with major iOS updates, for the record.

• Apple will reportedly refresh its iPad Pro line in early 2027
• The main change is likely to be a new chipset, but it's uncertain whether the M6 or M7 will be used
• It's also very likely that these will be extremely expensive tablets

It will soon be a year since the last iPad Pro models launched, but if you were hoping for successors this year, you’re probably out of luck, as a new report suggests we won’t see new models until 2027.

According to reputable Apple tipster Mark Gurman, writing for Bloomberg (via MacRumors), the company will launch new 11-inch and 13-in iPad Pro models in ‘spring’ 2027 — presumably meaning sometime between March and May.

Apparently, their designs won’t be changed much, but the internals will be updated, with a new chipset and potentially a vapor chamber to help keep them cool.

However, which chipset they’ll use remains uncertain — the iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) and iPad Pro 13-inch (2025) both have an M5 chipset, so we’d expect at least an M6. But according to this Bloomberg report, Apple will debut its M7 chipset “as early as the first half of 2027.” So if that’s out in time for the next iPad Pro’s launch, there’s a chance it will be included.

Either way, this should be a very powerful tablet, but if it does launch with an M6 chipset only for Apple to announce the M7 soon after, that might make it less desirable than it could otherwise be.

A pricey prospect

The bigger concern about the next iPad Pro, though, is how much it might cost. The ongoing RAM crisis recently caused Apple to raise the prices of many of its devices, including iPads, and since the 9-month-old iPad Pro 2025 has shot up in price, there’s no doubt that 2027’s iPad Pro models will launch at a very high price too.

Exactly how high is uncertain, though. For reference, the iPad Pro 2025 series now starts at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$1,999, so the iPad Pro 2027 will almost certainly cost at least that much. But if RAM prices keep increasing, then it’s feasible that it could cost even more — especially with inflation and a new chipset.

So, you might want to get saving — or just make do with your old tablet for a while longer, especially if you upgraded in the last few years.

• Apple has raised prices across multiple categories in Australia
• The MacBook Neo has lost some of its entry-level appeal
• The move follows rising RAM and storage costs

Australian shoppers looking for after EOFY offers, or waiting for early Amazon Prime Day tech deals, now have another price shift to factor in. Apple has raised local prices across several major product categories, including the new MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, iPad range, Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini and more.

The timing is awkward, but it also hasn't come from nowhere. Apple has usually been better than most tech companies at absorbing supply chain pressure before it reaches shoppers, though the current RAM and component crunch has been dragging on for long enough to change that calculation.

The warning signs came last month, when Tim Cook flagged "significantly higher memory costs" on an earnings call, then said RAM prices would "drive an increasing impact" on Apple products from this month.

Australian buyers will feel this

One of the clearest examples is the new MacBook Neo, Apple's lower-cost MacBook model and the machine most likely to appeal to students, or anyone trying to get a new Apple laptop for less than MacBook Air money. In Australia it launched with a price from AU$899. It now starts at AU$1,049, so it has lost some of its entry-level appeal.

Sure, it’s still Apple's cheapest laptop, but the higher starting price makes it less competitive against Windows laptops that have been fighting to compete with the Neo. The 512GB model with Touch ID has also gone from AU$1,099 to AU$1,249.

The MacBook Air has lost some of its competitive edge, and the 13-inch model with the M5 chip (check out our MacBook Air 13-inch M5 review) has jumped from AU$1,799 to AU$2,099 to start.

The 15-inch model is up by the same AU$300 amount, from AU$2,199 to AU$2,499. For a laptop that often sits in the middle of Apple's consumer Mac range, that is a significant hit to its value proposition.

The MacBook Pro increases are especially notable in some configurations. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 now starts at AU$3,199, up from AU$2,699, and the higher-end M5 Max models have also moved up by several hundred dollars. Buyers looking at extra memory or storage were already dealing with expensive upgrades, so the higher base prices only make that decision harder.

The Mac mini is another notable hit. It has gone from AU$999 to AU$1,299, which is a 30% increase on a machine that has often been one of the easier Apple desktops to justify on price.

The iPad range is up, which matters for students, families and anyone who was looking at a new tablet for work, study, travel or general use. The 11-inch iPad Air now starts at AU$1,249, up from AU$999, while the standard iPad, iPad mini and iPad Pro models have also increased.

The rises are not limited to Macs and iPads. HomePod mini has gone from AU$149 to AU$199, HomePod is up from AU$479 to AU$549, and Apple TV 4K has jumped from AU$219 to AU$299. Vision Pro was already a niche product at AU$5,999, and the new AU$6,299 starting price certainly does not broaden its appeal.

Apple's iPhone lineup, Apple Watch and AirPods appear to have avoided this round of increases at least. That helps limit the pain for some buyers, but it doesn’t change the issue for anyone who was waiting to buy a Mac, iPad or other Apple device.

Aussie price changes

Of course, Apple is not the only company dealing with higher memory and storage costs, but the scale of these changes is still pretty notable. Price rises across one or two products are easy enough to explain. Price rises across most of Apple’s range are not something that’s easily avoided.

An Apple spokesperson said: “The consumer electronics industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. The rapid expansion of AI data centers has created an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage. We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly. We have shielded our customers from these increases so far, but we have now reached a point where we need to begin raising prices on a number of products, including today’s increases for iPad and Mac. We know this is not welcome news, and we are working tirelessly to find solutions.”

The main question is whether the Australian prices come back down if the RAM shortage eases, or whether these higher starting points become normal. We are hopeful, but Apple hasn’t promised a reversal.

For now, local retailers may be worth checking more closely, especially if older stock or short-term deal pricing remains available during EOFY and early Prime Day sales periods.

Other Apple deals

These products haven't gone up in price, but they're still great deals. Note, the prices were last checked on July 1, 2026.

Well, we saw this coming: Apple just announced major price hikes across its product portfolio, meaning popular devices like the MacBook and iPad are getting more expensive.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

In fact, they’ve already gotten more expensive — the Apple store went offline this morning and reappeared an hour later with the new product prices. These increases are a response to “an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage,” Apple confirmed to TechRadar, adding that “we have shielded our customers from these increases so far, but we have now reached a point where we need to begin raising prices.” Sigh.

As TechRadar’s Phones and Tablets Editor, I’m particularly irked by the fact that the iPad Air now starts at $749 / £749 — that’s a $150 / £100 increase over its former $599 / £599 starting price, which taints its appeal as an affordable all-rounder.

The iPad Air has long been my go-to tablet recommendation for most people, but at this new price, I’m more inclined to recommend the iPad 11-inch (2025), which continues to start at a comparatively cheap $349 / £329.

The good news among all this doom and gloom is that Amazon’s annual Prime Day sale is happening right now, and several excellent Prime Day iPad deals are live in both the US and the UK. The iPad Air is among these discounted Apple tablets, so if you’ve been considering buying one, I’d recommend doing so ASAP — it may never be this affordable again.

For more details on Apple's iPad price increases, head to the bottom of the page.

Today's best iPad deals in the US

• iPad 11-inch (2025): was $349 now $299
• iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024): was $499 now $399
• iPad Air 11-inch (2026): was $599 now $519.99
• iPad Air 13-inch (2026) (256GB): was $899 now $789
• iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): now $999 now $899
• iPad Pro 13-inch (2025): was $1,299 now $1,199

Today's best iPad deals in the UK

• iPad 11-inch (2025): was £329 now £310
• iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024): was £499 now £475
• iPad Air 11-inch (2026): was £599 now £578.99
• iPad Air 13-inch (2026): was £799 now £768.99
• iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): was £999 now £944
• iPad Pro 13-inch (2025): was £1,299 now £1,242.25

Full iPad price changes

Here's a rundown of Apple's iPad price changes in full:

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & Tefal
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from £5
• Fans: from £20
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Gaming: £90 off PlayStation 5
• Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
• Laptops: from £149
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
• Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura

We're officially on day three of Prime Day 2026, and Amazon's discounts on MacBooks and iPads couldn't be better timed.

Apple just raised prices across nearly its entire Mac lineup — including MacBooks, iMac, and Mac Studio — alongside the iPad family and home products such as the HomePod and Apple TV 4K.

While Apple's online store is already reflecting the higher prices, Amazon is still offering some of the best discounts we've seen all year on MacBooks and iPads — even without updating the new original prices.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

Those deals look even better now that Apple's higher MSRPs are officially in effect. For instance, Apple now lists the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage at $1,299.99, but Amazon currently has it for $949. Likewise, the entry-level iPad now starts at $449 from Apple, while Amazon is selling it for just $299.

There's no telling how long these prices will last — though we're hoping they stick around through the remainder of Prime Day's four-day run. For now, keep scrolling for the best live deals on Macs, iPads, and Apple home devices that let you beat Apple's latest price increase.

You can even use the sidebar to jump to specific sections for each device category in the United States and the UK. Furthermore, while Apple hasn't raised prices for the Apple Watch, AirTags, or iPhone, I'm including deals for those as well since it's Prime Day after all.

Today's best iPad deals in the US

Today's best Apple MacBook deals in the US

Today's best Apple AirPods deals in the US

Today's best Apple Watch deals in the US

Today's best Apple AirTag deals in the US

Today's best Apple iPad deals in the UK

Today's best Apple MacBook deals in the UK

Today's best Apple AirPods deals in the UK

Today's best Apple Watch deals in the UK

Today's best Apple AirTag deals in the UK

Today's best Apple iPhone deals in the UK

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

• Apple has raised prices across multiple categories
• The MacBook Neo notably got a sizable hike
• The move comes in response to the RAM crisis

While everyone is busy scooping up Amazon Prime Day deals on all manner of gadgets, Apple just dropped the opposite of deal news: price hikes across most major product categories, including the new MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, Apple TV, HomePod mini, and more.

Look, it's not like we didn't see this coming. Apple's outgoing CEO Tim Cook may be the supply chain maverick, ensuring the tech giant had ample supplies of components to fill tech orders for months, but the RAM and component crisis has dragged on for long enough that even Apple has been dragged in.

Cook warned us last month during an earnings call in which he cited "significantly higher memory costs" and then added that, starting this month, RAM prices would "drive an increasing impact" on Apple's products.

That impact has now translated into higher prices for numerous Apple products, which Apple announced by, well, not really announcing them. Instead, the Apple Store went offline at around 7:30AM ET on Thursday and then returned an hour later with new prices and, basically, no fanfare.

This is gonna hurt

Among the devices seeing a price hike is the exciting and affordable new MacBook Neo, a mobile CPU-powered laptop that was perfectly built for the back-to-school market, and at $599 to start, was Apple's cheapest laptop in memory. It now starts at $699, which also means the Neo with double the storage (512GB) and TouchID is now $799 to start.

There is essentially bad news across multiple categories.

The MacBook Air 13-inch with the M5 chip, a laptop I called "the best ultraportable I've ever used," jumps from $1,099 to start to $1,299. The MacBook Pro jumps a whopping $300 / AU$500 (from $1,699 to $1,999) to start.

Other products getting price hikes include the Apple TV streaming box (now starts at $199) and HomePod Mini(up to $129 from $99).

Perhaps more disturbing for the back-to-school set, the iPad Air base system jumps from $599 to $699.

One of the more shocking price hikes is for a product that, perhaps thankfully, many will not sweat: the Vision Pro. At $3,499 it was already wildly expensive. Now the M5 edition starts at — wait for it — $3,699. That won't help its chances with consumer market penetration.

Shielded from these price hikes is Apple's entire iPhone lineup, Apple Watch, and AirPods. So there's that.

Here are all of the changes Apple has made, for US and UK markets:

It's fairly clear Apple didn't want to do this. In fact, it's hard to remember a time when Apple summarily raised so many prices at once, but its hand was forced. Tech companies across almost every category are responding to these RAM shortages with higher prices.

We've contacted Apple and then sent us this comment: “The consumer electronics industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. The rapid expansion of AI data centers has created an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage. We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly. We have shielded our customers from these increases so far, but we have now reached a point where we need to begin raising prices on a number of products, including today’s increases for iPad and Mac. We know this is not welcome news, and we are working tirelessly to find solutions.”

If and when the RAM crisis subsides, will prices return to pre-RAM shortage levels, or is Apple setting a new normal? Only time will tell.

Go find the deals

In the meantime, Prime Day is still live, and there are ample chances to snap up good deals on these gadgets before you're left with nothing but the higher prices (where prices are rising). You'll find the best deals we spotted on iPads, MacBooks, and more below and in this roundup.

Prime Day iPad deals

Prime Day MacBook deals

Prime Day AirPod deals

Prime Day Apple Watch deals

Prime Day AirTag deals

Editor's note: This piece was written before Apple raised its prices across a variety of its Macs, MacBooks and iPads, leading to a surge in purchasing of iPad Air deals. Some seem to still be available, but supplies are short, so act fast and check the widget below for live pricing in your area. The rest of this article remains as originally written.

It's been years since I last owned my own Kindle, as I ultimately do prefer physical copies to add to my collection, and only otherwise used my OG Kindle while travelling. However, whenever Amazon Prime Day rolls around, I do tend to second-guess myself when I see the meaty discounts on some of the best Kindles.

• Browse all early Prime Day deals at Amazon

In particular, I was tempted by the new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft; as an avid manga reader, I was super excited by the idea of freeing up some shelf space (and if you read manga, you'll know that comes in short supply once your collection grows) by reading some of my less-favored series digitally. However, after trying it for a couple of weeks, I'm only using it for its primary function: as an ereader.

Sure, I'm pretty impressed by this all-in-one E Ink notepad, comic and book reader, but especially right now, the price is a huge turn-off. Put it this way; the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is currently $519 (was $679) in the US and £442 (was £569) in the UK.

Meanwhile, the Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $124 (was $159) at Amazon US and £113 (was £159) at Amazon UK and the significantly more performant and multifunctional iPad 11-inch (A16) is $299 (was $349) at Amazon US and £309 (was £329) at Amazon UK. That's a $96 / £20 saving for an arguably better combination.

Below, I've detailed the key differences between each device.

Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is the latest, most performant ereader from Amazon, offering a combination of three different Kindle types: the standard E ink display Kindle, the notepad-like Kindle Scribe, and the color display Kindle Colorsoft.

Each is useful in its own right; reading comics and manga on the Scribe Colorsoft is a delight, though text boxes that spread across panels can be cut off if you use the full page panel view. It's pretty well optimized for the task, though even in vivid mode, colors can be a little washed out.

The writing experience is great. The screen is super responsive, the stylus is comfortable in use and features a shortcut key as well as a functional eraser, and the addition of color to the display means you can select different pen and highlighter colors to create more detailed annotations.

It packs all the usual useful Kindle features (including Word Wise, which is great for younger readers or language learners) as well as AI features like note summary and handwriting-to-text conversion.

However, there are three major things to note when it comes to the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.

First is that you can't actually use all of these features in tandem, meaning you can't markup comics or manga, though that's likely not a use case many people would want.

Second is that even outside of major sales events like Prime Day, you can get a Kindle, a Scribe, and a Colorsoft at almost the same price as this all-in-one device; and if you don't really need either the note-taking or the color display at the same time, you might as well do that.

Third is that while the large slate might be what you're looking for in terms of drawing, writing and graphic novel reading, it makes it a lot less portable than the standard or Paperwhite Kindle experience, which for me is the main reason I prize an ereader over a book.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

A step up from the basic Kindle, the Kindle Paperwhite offers a bright and beautiful screen for reading your favorite books. At this point, I'd very rarely recommend the standard base model for any reason beyond its low price, whereas the Kindle Paperwhite is genuinely enjoyable to read on, and that includes comics and manga.

With its E Ink Carta 1300 display, the 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite offers great contrast for easy reading, a slightly larger screen, comfortable bezels for long hours of reading and 16GB storage (though we're not thrilled 4.5GB of that is dedicated to the operating system.)

If you've tried the 11th-generation model, there's a slim margin of upgrade with this newer, 12th-generation model, but if you're currently using any older Kindle Paperwhite or standard Kindle, you'll certainly feel the difference.

It's fast, the battery is great, and it excels at exactly what it was created for; reading. That's doubly true thanks to its slim profile, making it easy to grab and stash in your bag; at 211g, it's super lightweight to carry.

It's worth noting that, at list price, we're not 100% happy about the Kindle Paperwhite's value proposition. This goes for a lot of Amazon devices, which only feel like a good deal during major sales events, but for context, spend a little more on the Kobo Libra color which costs $219.99 / £219.99 and you can get a color ereader with a screen of the same size, double the storage, a more ergonomic design and writing capabilities.

Of course, if you're bedded into the Amazon ecosystem with access to its vast library of books through a Prime Membership, it's still a no-brainer.

Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip)

While the latest, 11th-generation iPad didn't reinvent the tablet-shaped wheel, it brought a nice refresh in the form of the A16 chipset, powering a fast, responsive iPadOS experience.

It's a great productivity machine, and especially when paired with an Apple Pencil, it offers everything you could want from a Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and more, with its app library including fantastic options for note-taking, drawing and more intensive creative functions like video editing; though you're better off with an Apple Silicon-powered tablet like the iPad Pro (M5) or iPad Air (M4) if that's your rodeo.

It weighs just over a pound, so it's less primed for travel, and an e-ink display offers weeks of battery life, whereas the 11th-generation iPad only stretches to roughly 10 hours with general use; that's why pairing it with a Kindle Paperwhite for your reading needs is my top recommendation.

Still, even on its own, it stands as a solid alternative to a Kindle altogether, but especially at its price, I'd wager it's a superior choice to a Kindle Scribe Colorsoft for most. After all, you can just install the Kindle app and read your favorite books, comics, and manga on the vastly superior display.

More early Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More early Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: sign up for a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire TV, Ring & Blink from £24.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: AirPods Pro 3 for a record-low price
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja, Tefal & Sage
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from under £10
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Father's Day: up to 50% off gifts & drinks
• Headphones: up to 50% off
• Laptops: from £149.99
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £125
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Eufy & Roborock
• Wearables: Garmin & Huawei from £36.99

Amazon Prime Day wouldn’t be complete without a healthy dose of record-low iPad deals, and this year, the mega retailer has truly outdone itself.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

Every single one of Apple’s latest tablets is currently on sale at Amazon in both the US and UK (yes, really), and very few of these iPad deals are locked behind the Prime-only paywall. So whether you’re after a top-end iPad Pro or a pocket-friendly iPad mini, this week is the perfect time to snag a cut-price Apple slate.

Here are Amazon’s current iPad deals in full (which I’ve cross-referenced against local retailers in the US and UK):

Today's best iPad deals in the US

• iPad 11-inch (2025): was $349 now $299
• iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024): was $499 now $399
• iPad Air 11-inch (2026): was $599 now $519.99
• iPad Air 13-inch (2026): was $799 now $699
• iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): now $999 now $899
• iPad Pro 13-inch (2025): was $1,299 now $1,199

Today's best iPad deals in the UK

• iPad 11-inch (2025): was £329 now £310
• iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024): was £499 now £475
• iPad Air 11-inch (2026): was £599 now £578.99
• iPad Air 13-inch (2026): was £799 now £768.99
• iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): was £999 now £944
• iPad Pro 13-inch (2025): was £1,299 now £1,242.25

How to choose which model to buy

So, which model should you buy? We’ve got a dedicated guide to the best iPads elsewhere on TechRadar, but in this section, I’ll give you a quick run-down of which iPads to consider, and which to avoid, depending on your use case.

If you’re looking for an iPad for streaming movies, scrolling social media, and FaceTiming family and friends, the iPad 11-inch (2025) is the way to go.

This is Apple's most basic iPad, but its 11-inch LED display and capable A16 chipset make it as good as any other tablet in its price range for casual movie-watching and light gaming. Seriously: if you’re just planning on using your iPad for Netflix, you don’t need to go above and beyond the iPad 11-inch (2025) — especially when it’s available for just $299 / £310.

The smaller iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) actually has a more powerful chipset than the base model, as well as Apple Intelligence compatibility, but you won’t benefit from these features unless you’re planning on demanding more from your iPad than streaming and light gaming. And if that is you, then I’d recommend looking towards the new iPad Air instead.

The iPad Air 13-inch (2026) hits the sweet spot between value and performance. Its MacBook-level M4 chipset means it can power through productivity-focused applications with ease, it’s compatible with Apple Intelligence, and it also boasts a tidy 12GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.

Those three features make it a better tool for college students and office workers than the iPad 11-inch (2025), and it’s available in two more work-friendly sizes than the 8.3-inch iPad mini. In other words, if you want to draw up documents, create presentations, and edit photos, get the iPad Air.

As for the iPad Pro 11-inch (2025), you should only be considering this freakishly powerful product if you’re a digital artist or full-time video editor.

It’s got the best display of any tablet on the market (it’s a 120Hz OLED, as opposed to a 60Hz LED), as well as the most powerful chipset in the Apple M5. The latter means the iPad Pro can tackle 3D modeling and advanced video rendering, where other iPads can’t, but if you’re not planning on doing either of those things, then this tablet is probably overkill — even at Amazon’s $899 / £944 deal price.

As for which models could get replaced this year, Apple is reportedly planning on releasing an Apple Intelligence-compatible base model and an OLED-equipped iPad mini in 2026. Neither will be anywhere near as cheap as their respective predecessors are currently, but if you’d rather have AI capabilities on your movie-watching tablet or a smaller iPad with an OLED display, then they may be worth waiting for.

More Prime Day deals in the US

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18
• Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothing
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

More Prime Day deals in the UK

• Amazon Prime: get a 30-day free trial
• Amazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99
• Amazon Haul: up to 30% off
• Apple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple Watch
• Appliances: up to 45% off Ninja & Tefal
• Beauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-B
• Essentials: household goods from £5
• Fans: from £20
• Fashion: up to 50% off
• Gaming: £90 off PlayStation 5
• Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & Sony
• Laptops: from £149
• Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99
• Toys: up to 25% off Lego and Tonies
• TVs: from £129.99
• Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & Roborock
• Wearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura

I’m under no illusions that John Ternus’ Apple will be the exactly same as it has been under Tim Cook. Initially though, there will be few, if any, changes. Ternus is not an outsider with wild anti-Apple ideas intended to wake a sleeping giant. He's been here for decades, through all the major releases that made Apple, well, Apple. Claims that he's arriving in September to revive Apple's design excellence are, if not off base, then just wrong-headed.

First of all, the argument presupposes that there is something fundamentally lacking in Apple's Industrial design: Jony Ive was obviously lighting in a bottle, and current design lead Molly Anderson is a pale, albeit also British, imitation. (Granted, Anderson has not been in the position that long, taking over from Evans Hankey, who left in 2023.)

But accepting that presumption is to ignore all the beautifully designed products that have arrived under Cook's leadership, with and without Ive, and also often under the watchful eyes of Ternus.

Remember the Pro — oh

But since Ive's skills as a designer are so vaunted, let's start with a failure. Perhaps you remember the Mac Pro. No, not the cheese-grater design unveiled in 2023. While that had its detractors, it was miles above the trashcan design unveiled in 2013.

It was the ultimate expression (at least in PC terms) of Ive's "form meets function" obsession. The internal structure was sort of a triangle of boards that seemed perfectly wrong for a squat, circular enclosure. Ive's fingerprints were all over the impractical system, one that Craig Federighi later admitted to me (during a mea culpa meeting on the Pro) had boxed Apple into a thermal corner. It was hard to upgrade and was roundly rejected by pro system users.

Ive was also responsible for the Apple Pencil. With it, his penchant for skeuomorphism extended from app design into the physical world. The Apple Pencil fully resembled a white plastic version of a real, pencil, and to accommodate that, it had, under a custom cover, a hidden Lightning charging plug. You even needed a special adaptor to charge it. Later, wirelessly charging Apple Pencils, which I think Ive also designed, fixed this mess.

Naturally, Ive's hits far outweighed his misses, and many big ones came during the Cook-Ive collaboration period, including the iPad Air, the Apple Watch, and AirPods (which started awkwardly but gradually improved).

The more divisive Apple Vision Pro was likely designed under Hankey and Anderson's watchful eye. I do think it's a pleasant intersection between the needs of extremely high-end innovation and aesthetic appeal. Goggles will be goggles, after all.

Even iPhone design has remained, if not excellent, interesting.

The iPhone is still beautiful...discuss

When Apple introduced the first iPhone in 2007, there really was no other handset quite like it. Apple set the bar and, over the years, every other manufacturer followed. It became harder and harder for Apple to differentiate its metal and glass slab from its competitors. The ever-larger camera arrays have provided a sort of design challenge and an opportunity at the same time. Hankey and Anderson, at least, came up with a giant island that's quite recognizable from a distance. And let's not discount color. The orange was a stroke of genius and the new MacBook Neo's playful Blush and Citrus colors are lively, proving Anderson knows how to marry form with expression.

Ternus' role as hardware lead means he's been seeing these designs for years. My sense in sitting down with him after the launch of the iPhone Air is that he is intimately involved with the process of shoving all that technology into ever-thinner, but shockingly strong frames. He gets that you need to marry engineering skills with industrial design to get a durable and usable product that's still attractive.

When I think about what Ternus will do when he finally takes over in September, I am reminded of relay race runners. Cook continues to pace around the track while slowly holding out the baton behind him. Ternus is nearby, running just behind Cook with one hand outstretched. Neither man will stop. The handoff will happen in a few months, with everything still in motion.

The process of finishing the rumored iPhone Ultra (the folding phone) continues as we speak, and Ternus is not going to suddenly pull a Steve Jobs and throw the design into a fish tank, to see if bubbles rise, thus proving they could make it smaller. He won't demand that all plastic be replaced with glass, or even that one more color be added to the mix.

When, as the recent Bloomberg report claims, Ternus said of Apple's design history and appeal to customers, "We’re going to make sure that stays the case,” he's not talking about making huge changes to achieve that goal.

Ternus will stay the course and support Anderson. He may hire more design support and, down the line, Ternus will look for his signature initiative or product; he will want to have his own iPhone or iPod. But that's a natural inclination for any incoming CEO. Job one, though, is staying the course, shepherding the in-the-pipeline products to market and ensuring that Apple remains Apple.

I think Ternus knows exactly how to do that.

It's been a busy week for Apple fans, keeping track of all the news that came out of WWDC 2026 this year. Although there was a lot of new info on MacOS Golden Gate, iOS 27, new child safety tools, and more, the bulk of Tim Cook's last presentation was devoted to Siri AI.

Apple's first truly smart AI assistant was on full display, using natural language and working across the Apple ecosystem. But users in the EU were shocked when Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, mentioned during the presentation that EU iPhone and iPad users wouldn't get Siri AI, at least for now.

"Siri AI will not be available initially in the EU on iOS and iPad OS. We're working hard to find a path forward to preserve our users' privacy and security."

Federighi's unusually forward statement about regulations for a conference like this, without any indication of when Siri AI would arrive in the EU, sparked a lot of concern. So, what's going on? Read on, and watch our TikTok embedded below to understand exactly what's up regarding the Siri AI delay.

Watch our explainer on the issue here:

What is the Digital Markets Act?

The Digital Markets Act, or DMA, is the piece of EU legislation getting in the way of EU iPhone and iPad users accessing Siri AI in its current form. The DMA, brought into force in May 2023, is an anti-monopoly and pro-interoperability law designed to ensure major tech companies such as Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, and others don't restrict the growth or usage of other platforms, and allow users more choice when selecting online services and deciding who can access their data.

The DMA says, "A small number of large undertakings providing core platform services have emerged with considerable economic power that could qualify them to be designated as gatekeepers pursuant to this Regulation.

"The combination of those features of gatekeeper is likely to lead, in many cases, to serious imbalances in bargaining power and, consequently, to unfair practices and conditions for business users, as well as for end users of core platform services provided by gatekeepers, to the detriment of prices, quality, fair competition, choice, and innovation in the digital sector."

Essentially, the EU doesn't want companies like Apple or Google to lock users into a solitary ecosystem that only works with proprietary technology, leading to a monopoly.

The problem with Siri AI

In a world in which we grow increasingly distrustful of AI, Apple seems to have designed Siri AI with security and privacy in mind. Siri AI works across Apple's operating systems, using its Private Cloud Compute technology to act as a private 'on-device AI' while retaining the advantages of a cloud-based system. Apple claims that complying with the EU's interoperability laws will result in cracking open access to Private Cloud Compute to third-party AIs, leading to a breakdown of that trust Apple is trying to build.

In a press release, Apple says, "Siri AI is private by design and deeply integrated across Apple’s platforms using on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute, which extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud.

"However, under EU regulators’ extreme interpretation of the DMA, Apple would have to give any virtual assistant direct access to users’ private data — and the ability to directly control other installed applications — as soon as Siri AI is made available in the EU, without the essential protections necessary to keep users and their data safe.

"According to EU regulators, the DMA requires Apple to give any AI system nearly unlimited access to a user’s device, as well as the ability to act on that access autonomously without a user’s ongoing visibility and control. That includes the ability to read and send messages, make purchases, access files, and execute actions across any app."

Strong language there from Apple. The EU wants a level playing field, which means opening up operating system-level access to other AI companies, which Apple is obviously loathe to do. So, who's in the right?

Have your say — who's right?

You can vote in our poll above to have your say, and we'll publish the end results next week, but it's safe to say the debate is already fierce. Our TikTok above has hundreds of comments, and there are strong feelings on both sides of the aisle.

Pro-Apple users are saying that the EU is sacrificing their privacy, and there is already plenty of choice: just don't buy Apple devices if you don't want to use Siri AI.

One user said, "The European Commission is in the wrong here. I get that they want others to have the same access to make it fair, but we’re not talking about giving access to small European businesses, we’re talking about massive American corporations like Meta, Google, Musk’s X, Anthropic, OpenAI, etc."

Another said, "People already have a choice. If you like Apple's ecosystem, you get Apple products. It's that simple. If you want more 'freedom' then you get literally anything else." A third wrote, "I chose Apple because the other players have proven time and again they don’t care about privacy".

However, there were just as many pro-EU comments in the threads as pro-Apple ones. One person wrote, "The only thing Apple should provide is a means to allow another service to access my data, and prohibit the use if no permission is granted. Interoperability."

Another said, "Apple should adjust to laws of the region they are selling to if they want to be relevant there. simple as that." A third wrote, "100% in the EU camp here. I want to be able to choose my AI provider on my iPhone. I don’t want Gemini. I don’t trust Google."

This isn't the first time Apple has balked at the Digital Markets Act, releasing a similar statement last year regarding delays to features like Live Translation. At this moment in time, we don't know how things are going to play out. However, we want to hear more from you. Vote in our poll above and comment below, and we'll publish your thoughts next week.

I admit, I was confounded by Apple’s 20-minute Child Safety feature detour during its all-important WWDC 2026 keynote. After all, it’s a set of features that have warranted, at best, a passing mention at previous events. This year, though, Apple bombarded us with a cavalcade of existing, upgraded, and entirely new tools (we've rounded up five of the biggest new Apple child account features elsewhere on TechRadar).

The intention, it seemed, was to prove it’s dead serious about protecting your children from not just online threats but the very real danger of too much digital access.

While Apple hasn’t directly addressed why it went so hard, it is clear to me at least that it’s in tune with changing moods toward our digital experience, especially as it pertains to children. Studies show that excessive screen time is potentially damaging to cognitive development and behavior. A direct causal relation between social media use and teen mental health is harder to establish, though it's difficult to ignore the dual rise in social media and mental health issues. Overall, parents know that digital use — too much of it; the wrong kind — is a potential issue for their kids, and now they're actively looking for ways to manage it.

Perhaps Apple was right to devote so much time to this set of features. Still, I’m not sure it did anyone any favors with the overwhelming and slightly haphazard way it was all discussed.

I recognized many of the tools as already existing, but they were all slightly altered and enhanced. It wouldn’t be until later that I would learn exactly what was new and the crucial change Apple made to help get ahead of wily kids and teens who always know how to game the system.

So, to start from the bottom, it’s worth mentioning that Apple rewrote Screen Time’s entire architecture. Even how it works with iCloud is different (updated infrastructure).

This matters because, as you might’ve read elsewhere, crafty teens figured out how to game previous versions of the old Screentime Time Allowance and schedule controls. They did so by messing with the device’s clock. This trick apparently could extend screen limits significantly.

Apple, no doubt, is a student of all these teen screen time hacks, and the controls appear more robust. Re-architecture is likely aimed at those kinds of hacks, and if, for instance, your child learns the PIN code to authorize access to, say, a website or for a message chat, the system now automatically alerts the parent that the PIN code was used on one of the children’s devices.

A process of simplification and enrichment

Apple’s goal here was not only to strengthen the tools but also to ease the application. New devices can, in roughly six minutes (we timed it), guide a parent through the comprehensive parental control setup — I’ve seen it in action and it is impressive. You’ll make a fair number of decisions along the way, but it all appears sensible.

The ease is also because this is merely a starting point for managing your child’s digital learning experience (most of the presets are, it seems, in line with some guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics).

Over time, parents can and probably will dig into the now (when iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 ship this fall) voluminous settings that, for example, not only allow parents to block nudity but gore and violent images (though it’s not clear if it can do anything for words that describe such acts) across messages, AirDrops, and even communication in FaceTime.

In the case of violence and gore, if the content is detected, the communication is, for younger users, blocked (a parent could enter their PIN to see what triggered the action). While the system won't always send an alert to the parent, it can automatically end communication if it detects illicit content.

App and Web Sites under control

Developers don't just set their own age brackets for apps: each one goes through a rigorous questionnaire with answers mapping to specific age ranges. As for what happens when apps and games are upgraded and how Apple prevents non-age-appropriate content from seeping in, it uses another test to confirm that the existing age range still applies.

In addition to approving apps that your child can download, even those that are age-approved, parents will have control over which websites kids can visit. Every request shows up on the parent’s device, where they can investigate and then allow or deny.

Similar controls also exist for messages. If anyone who is not pre-approved or in the Family group tries to message your child, the child can ask for permission, and you’ll again get the approval notice. At this point, you can add that person to the approved list, and then they’ll be able to freely message.

Your groups

One of the big updates is in how the system manages time allowances, with new groupings and certain classes of apps, like phone and messages, always open in case of emergencies. You can even create your own app groups and add and remove apps.

So much of this is about tailoring the control to your child and your own family’s rules and restrictions. No family is alike, and so no two Child Safety and Screen Time settings necessarily need to be alike.

The setup walkthrough happens on new devices, so when it comes time to upgrade to iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, parents might first need to check which older devices still support the new software. If the systems don’t, the granular control might not be consistent.

Unfortunately, the Child Safety system can’t tailor the settings after a period of learning how you and your family use the devices. Though it seems you could use the new Describe a Shortcut to build a shortcut that watches usage insights and then changes settings based on those learnings.

Overall, I wouldn't say Screen time is now unrecognizable from its previous iteration. Still, the interface does feel somewhat cleaner and better organized, which I think is important because parents who dig into this are not interested in learning new tech management skills; they just need help protecting their kids from bad apps, websites, people, and their children's own sometimes too-intense screen habits.

Apple spending so much time rebuilding and enriching Child Safety and Screen Time and then talking about it during WWDC 2026 may have a dual effect. It could improve the lives of those who upgrade, but it might also open the eyes of parents who have been struggling to manage their kids’ digital lives without knowing there’s at least a partial solution already in their hands.

I was in charge of live-blogging WWDC 2026 earlier this week, and keeping up with Apple’s device requirements for iOS 27, Apple Intelligence, and Siri AI felt like a job for someone with a photographic memory.

All three software packages have different entry criteria (and that’s to say nothing of iPadOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate), so after the show, I published an iOS 27 and Siri AI compatibility explainer, which will tell you whether your iPhone can support Apple’s upcoming iOS features.

I’m not going to repeat all those device requirements here, but a big point of confusion has been the exclusivity of Apple’s "most powerful on-device model", known officially as Apple Foundation Models (AFM) Core Advanced. Only three iPhones — the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air — have enough RAM (12GB) to access this model and, therefore, the very best version of Siri AI. But what does that mean, exactly?

According to Apple's press release on Siri AI, the two features exclusive to AFM Core Advanced are voice customization and more advanced systemwide dictation.

The former gives you the ability to customize the expressiveness and pace of Siri’s voice — anyone with access to Siri AI can still choose from a set number of Siri voices, but you’ll need an iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air to make Siri speak faster, slower, and with more or less enthusiasm.

The second feature — more advanced systemwide dictation — is arguably the more significant. It essentially means those top-end iPhones are more effective at converting speech into accurate text than older or less advanced iPhones. This updated dictation engine "automatically handles capitalization, punctuation, and formatting as [you] speak," Apple says, meaning you can "speak naturally and trust that [your] words will appear clearly, accurately, and as intended".

To be clear, this doesn’t mean that if you own, say, an iPhone 15 Pro, your Siri will be incapable of converting speech into text. Yes, Siri has been awful at doing just that in the past — anyone who’s tried to send a message using CarPlay will know what I'm talking about — but my understanding is that Siri AI, in being an entirely new version of Siri, will bring improved dictation at a foundational level (i.e. to all compatible iPhones).

But for those who rely on dictation to send messages or navigate their iPhone hands-free, the difference in dictation capabilities between the best iPhones and older models may be more consequential.

The capability gap will get bigger

At this point, it’s not entirely clear whether Apple’s AFM Core Advanced model will also result in noticeably faster query resolution for the iPhones equipped with it. Dictation is not the same as interpretation — Apple has only said that these iPhones will be better at the former, not the latter.

But given that AFM Core Advanced is a 20-billion-parameter model that only exists on iPhones with 12GB of RAM, it figures that these iPhones will be able to perform AI tasks more quickly than those equipped with Apple’s 3-billion-parameter AFM Core model and only 8GB of RAM.

Incidentally, more RAM also facilitates faster app loading and more seamless switching between apps, though the differences between iPhones on those fronts are already negligible (the iPhone 15 Pro feels just as fast to navigate as the iPhone Air, for instance). What's more, iOS 27 is making app loading and switching faster for all compatible iPhones, so having more or less RAM isn't a cause for concern outside of AI.

At the moment, then, it looks like owners of the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air are simply getting a more customizable Siri, and one more capable of converting speech into text.

That’s not ideal for iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 17 users who thought they were buying a phone “built for Apple Intelligence” — lawyers at the ready! — but these iPhones are capable of running all the Apple Intelligence features revealed at the software’s announcement in 2024 (so, actually, put down your pitchforks).

Of course, in classic marketing fashion, Apple’s small print on the matter leaves the door ajar for more features to be made exclusive to the AFM Core Advanced model: “Apple’s most powerful on-device model and the features it enables, like expressive voices and more advanced dictation, are available on…,” reads the press release. ‘Like’ is the operative word there — more hardware-exclusive features are surely coming down the line, ones which require more compute power than Apple’s base AFM Core model can provide.

But for the moment, I do think the furore is a little overblown. If you own an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, you’re getting all but two of the features announced at WWDC 2026.

The opening keynote to Apple’s 2026 Worldwide Developer Conference has wrapped, and saying there’s a lot to unpack would be an understatement. Apple unveiled a brand new Siri experience, demonstrated more Apple Intelligence features, and even walked us through minor refinements we can expect to see across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, and Apple Watch.

The announcements were primarily focused on AI features, of course, but Apple spent a few minutes walking us through a complete redesign of the parental controls across all its devices.

As a father of three — ages 14, 16, and 18 — I have been hoping for changes and improvements to Screen Time for well over 10 years now.

Screen Time upgrades are coming

There’s an entirely new sign-up experience for setting up a new device, specifically designed to create a child account. Apple will then take the age of the child and fine-tune the device’s safeguards and offer a curated list of apps based on that age. A child account is required for kids under 13, and is optional for kids aged 13-18.

Safeguards include blocking adult websites, age-restricting access to age-appropriate content, and enforcing age-based restrictions regarding apps the child can install on their device.

I got especially excited when I saw that kids will be able to send website requests, much like the download requests they can send now.

When my kids were younger, we tried limiting their contact list to something we could manage, but as their friend circle grew and they exchanged more and more contact information, managing it became incredibly frustrating and difficult. With this update, set to be released this fall to everyone and out now as a developer beta, the child can send a request to communicate with a new contact.

There are several more features Apple is adding, such as adding bonus time in apps, along with a complete redesign of the Screen Time interface, which is very exciting and should make it easy to get a sense of in-the-moment settings, usage, and limits at a quick glance.

With bonus time, I'll no longer have to approve multiple time requests or edit limits with the intention of reverting them back the next day, but I’d ultimately forget.

It could all be for nothing, however

I hope parents take full advantage of all the additions and changes — but here’s the kicker: if Apple didn’t fix the underlying bugs in Screen Time that often allowed kids to get around the limits, all of it’s for nothing.

I’ve been playing whack-a-mole with my kids and them getting around Screen Time for years.

Just last week, I noticed my son had an increase in the amount of time he was spending in the Settings app on his iPhone. I’m not talking about going from nothing to five minutes. I’m talking about how he was spending anywhere from four to 16 hours in the Settings app.

Something was up, but I couldn’t quite figure it out. The usage limits I’d set for games and social media, along with his bedtime when his device effectively locks down, hadn’t been changed, but somehow he was in the Settings app all night long.

After a few days of this happening and his denying any knowledge of why it was happening, I did some Googling and discovered that when someone changes the date and time on their device, the Settings app often registers that change as app usage.

Why change his date and time? Because it tricks Screen Time into resetting his usage limits.

This was just the latest hiccup in my adventure with trying to keep my kids safe while also letting them be social.

Don’t even get me started on the years of pulling my hair out as Screen Time would randomly shut itself off or temporarily stop working for days at a time after an iOS update. And, of course, my kids would never say a word. I can’t blame them.

At one point, after months of accusing my son of figuring out some sort of hack to circumvent limits, Apple released a software update that explicitly addressed the exact bug. And boy, did I owe him a giant apology.

I’ve stuck with Screen Time because any third-party parental controls require a subscription and installing profiles on your kids’ phones — giving the company full access to your child’s activities, which has never sat right with me.

I’m hopeful Apple got the new Screen Time right for the next generation of young kids who are getting their first iPhones and iPads, but years of experience tell me not to bet against kids figuring out workarounds to pretty much anything in life, especially tech.

We have emailed Apple to ask if it’s harder to work around these, and will update when and if we hear back.

Schrödinger sock. That's how I describe the child's foot apparel that was not visible but brought to photo-realistic life by Apple Intelligence running on iOS 27 Dev Beta. The sock exists in the liminal space between assumption and reality. Only generative AI can make it real, even if the child in the photo was never wearing his other sock. Such is the power of the upcoming update to Apple's iOS and other platforms, and of the up-to-now relatively disappointing Apple Intelligence: Apple takes on Artificial Intelligence so carefully applied that it seemed woefully behind the competition.

But that was before.

Today, after its unveiling on Monday at WWDC 2026, we have the new Apple Intelligence and its powerful image-altering and creation tools that are the product of powerful off-device models built in cooperation with Google, or rather, that incorporate Google's generative models but apply them with Apple flair.

In the demo I saw, designed to show off the power of Apple Intelligence's new and enhanced Image Editing tools, we looked at the more powerful clean up that can do something Apple has never tried before in image editing: create something biological out of nothing, or at least infer the existence of something human we clearly cannot see. In this case, a child's socked foot. In the image (which I sadly cannot share here, but there are other examples above), the boy is seated on the floor, with one leg partially obscured by a large stuffed bear.

As before, we can trace over such distractions like a chair and the bear, and then tap Clean Up to remove them. Removal is something Apple Intelligence is already quite good at, but replacing large image parts or creating what should be there was really not part of Apple's generative image editing strategy. Now it is.

Like magic, we could see the rest of the child's leg and his other socked foot. No matter that this small boy might not have been wearing a sock on that foot, it got the same sock. As I said, we'll never know if that sock ever truly existed, but in the mind's eye of Apple Intelligence, it does.

Reframing the story

The other tools similarly stretch the bounds of memory and reality. Spatial reframing is a wild Apple Intelligence tool that applies a sort of 3D model to the image, letting you subtly rotate the subject and background this way and that to better frame your image. You can even grab and shift the subject a little bit. I watched them do this with an image of a woman sitting on the grass. I must admit that the final result did look better, and I guess no one will remember the less perfectly composed photos. At least you can always go back to the original, imperfect image to remember how things truly were.

Perhaps the best and least drastic of these generative image alteration features is the new expansion tool that, like AI tools in, say, Adobe Firefly, lets you basically extend the background in a photo to make it a better fit for a certain frame or wallpaper. It's something I could see myself using quite a bit, especially because it leaves the subjects alone.

Create something new

Yes, friends, we are officially entering uncharted Apple territory. For a company that prides itself on photographic excellence with one of the best cameras, sensors, and image pipelines in the business, it is now fully in bed with photorealistic imagination creation.

In one demo I saw, a young man wanted to create a flyer to promote a, I think, a bake sale for his friend, Phil. As before, Image Playground lets you choose seed photos and subjects from your Photos library, but where the old app would stick to basically comic book renderings of these subjects, the new app, with new Gemini-infused models backing it (they all live on Apple's Private Cloud compute), happily creates photorealistic images.

It's now a powerful tool, and I watched as we selected the subject (Phil) and described him piping a cake and with a bowl of fruit nearby. Soon, our buddy Phil appeared on screen looking very much like a master baker. No matter if the guy ever baked a cake in his life, let alone decorated one. He was doing it here. There's nothing real about this image, and while Apple likes to talk about maintaining the essence of our photos in the Apple Intelligence-powered Photo editing tools, this other land will create full-scale image narratives from whole cloth.

Yes, there is some sonic dissonance here.

Even so, Image Playground is now a vastly more powerful tool. After we gave Phil his fake bakery skills, we decided that the bowl of berries we requested for the image was not the right kind of berries. No matter, we simply used the Apple Pencil to select the berry bowl and then asked the app to switch it to blueberries. We also asked for a cupcake tower because Phil's baker bonifides were not quite strong enough.

The result was photorealistic perfection.

This is what you wanted, right? We all said Apple was behind. Now it's pulling even with the rest of the generative image world. It's progress, though I'm not sure to what end.

I come here to celebrate Apple delivering. It's not overshooting the mark with the new Siri AI, which it unveiled at WWDC 2026, but it is finally delivering on the promises it made at WWDC 2024.

Sure, it's beta (again), and there's a wait list (again), but I've now seen it at work, in person, in live and potentially unpredictable demos. Siri AI, as it's now called, works across platforms, and it has the potential to change how you use your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

While I waited for my access to the new Siri on my iPhone 17 Pro, I visited one of the countless rooms in Apple's massive Apple Park headquarters, where I round-robined through a series of stations at which I could see Siri AI in action on iOS 27 Dev Beta, iPadOS 27 Dev Beta, and macOS Golden Gate Dev Beta. This is all a work in progress.

I'll admit that while I was probably most interested in the new Siri on the iPhone, I was most surprised by how it works on the iPad. On every platform, this smarter, more aware, and more personable Siri looks different than before. It's bigger, brighter, floatier (I made that a word), and it has a new sense of confidence.

On the iPad, you can summon Siri with your voice, but you can also swipe down from the top of the screen, and a sort of black teardrop will form until it releases from the top of the screen and is displayed as the small Siri AI window. It's a nice, classy touch.

Of course, you can type into Siri, and I watched as we searched for top PGA golfers, and I noticed how anxious new Siri was to get to work, auto-filling answers before we'd even finished our query. Since it initially had just 'Top PGA Golfers', it quickly spit out Jack Nicklaus before refining on the fly to more contemporary players like Scottie Scheffler.

I also noticed during this process a new 'working' iconography that looks unlike any previous form of Apple's 'Please wait for an answer' spinner. Sometimes Siri AI seems whip-fast; other times, you can watch that icon spin as it works. There's no obvious sense of, "Oh, it's heading out to the Private Cloud Compute for that."

I watched here and on other platforms as Siri AI effortlessly kept context, without demanding a restate or telling us it couldn't answer that, and "did we want to check the web?" or "Use ChatGPT?" In fact, ChatGPT appears to have been almost fully deprecated here. It does not show up as an option, though I believe you can still request it.

As we dug in on Scheffler's career, Apple was quick to show me how Siri AI always shows its sources. I appreciate the care.

The little Siri AI window that appears in a session can be easily expanded, and then you're suddenly in the new Siri app. Apple takes a slightly different approach here than, say, Gemini or ChatGPT: the chat window is familiar-looking, but the conversation history is card-based, with almost headlines for your query topic, and either a brief summary or image. I did not see an option for a tighter list form, which I might prefer.

iPhone, meet the new Siri

On the iPhone 17 Pro Max, we summoned Siri with a long press of the power button, which launched that new, large, almost alien spaceship-like floating blob. I say 'floating' because throughout the demo I noticed that Apple had made the effort to put very subtle shading under the new Siri interface so that it looks like it's floating just above the screen. It's a neat little effect.

Siri AI's superpower is not that it's smarter or more chatty (in fact, Siri will steer you away from conversations that might be better had with humans or, say, mental health support professionals); it's that it understands you through the data on your phone.

This is where the fulfillment of a promise comes in. Siri AI really does appear to know the contents of your phone in a way that could be truly helpful. Its needle-in-the-haystack approach means that, if you have a thread of memory about a bit of data, something someone mentioned to you in an email or message, Siri can dig it out for you.

In the demo I saw, we asked about a "podcast our sister recommended recently," and Siri searched across first-party apps (developers will have to build hooks into Siri AI in future versions of their apps) and pulled up a casual mention of a Sherlock Holmes podcast in Messages. Again, once we had that detail, we only had to say, "Play it," and Siri launched the podcast app.

The obvious benefit is the end of endless searching and then backing out and finding the right app. I could imagine a lot of your daily interactions with your iPhone getting done through Siri AI. Of course, much of this will depend on developers of apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and others building in those Siri connections.

Still, the power here is exciting. Taking someone's lengthy emails full of useful but disorganized details and turning them into, say, a useful Camping Gear list in Notes is a significant leap from the current and endlessly disappointing "Sorry, I can't do that" Siri.

Over the course of my demo, I watched as Siri pulled up random references relating to queries about travel and meteor showers. It's sort of a de-randomizer. Like all good AI, Siri AI can see the patterns in your endless reams of data, and make sense of it.

I also got a look at Siri in the Camera app. That's right, it now has a menu item right next to 'Photo,' and once launched it works a bit like Visual Intelligence. Choosing it does mean that Siri can 'see what you see,' which may or may not comfort you, but if you're wondering what you're looking at or, say, want Siri to help you make a choice, it's ready. I did notice that the Camera app takes a photo of whatever Siri is analyzing.

At one point, we mispoke in the demo, but Siri sussed out the proper prompt and results without any intervention from us. Kind of impressive.

In a demo where it helped me decide which book to read next, I listened as Siri's new 'expressive' voice told me why I should read Blindsight next. I noticed, though, that the new voice sounded a bit odd. I don't know if the emotion sounded forced or missing, but I'm assuming this is an element that's still being tweaked in iOS 27 Dev Beta.

Spotlight on the Mac

Most of my Mac demo revolved around how Siri AI transforms Spotlight, the Mac's system-wide search engine. You can, it turns out, still use it to launch apps like Preview, but the new interface almost compels you to go further with the words, 'Search or Ask'.

Ask basically transforms Spotlight into a generative search box where almost any general knowledge question is welcomed. We asked about the Hawaiian islands for families. If the system deems the question as 'complex,' it will default to Siri and Apple's world Knowledge Engine. That's right, even though the new Siri is using, in part, Gemini Foundation models, Apple is not using Google's Search knowledge graph.

Once you launch a search, you're inside Siri, and you can keep that window open while you multitask on other desktop chores.

In Apple Intelligence, you select text and right-click to access AI-powered writing tools, but the new Siri is embedded in more subtle ways that still give you full access to its new power. We selected a bunch of text in Notes and, while we could still have Siri rewrite it, Writing Tools-style, we can also use this as a launch point to weave together other Apple first-party app capabilities. In this case, we asked it to use the notes to draft a structured email in Mail.

Again, this is a pair of first-party Apple apps working together, and Apple is well aware that your email client may not be Apple's Mail.

Overall, it's still just a glimpse of what Siri AI can do, but I find it a promising one, especially for beta software. The plumbing clearly works, and if you allow it, Siri can finally see across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to understand you and your needs. It's been a long time coming, but I think Apple finally got this right.

Apple unveiled iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 today (June 8), but not every iPhone will support the new software upgrade when it lands later this year.

Despite offering some of the best software support in the industry, Apple regularly leaves a handful of iPhones out in the cold when releasing a new version of iOS — the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, for instance, can’t run iOS 26.

Unusually for Apple, though, that list hasn't got longer this time round: the iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, all of which you might have expected to lose support this year, will still be able to run iOS 27.

That's great news for older iPhone users (as in, users of older iPhones — we're not ageist) who want to make use of Apple’s upcoming software features — all of which you can read about in our WWDC 2026 coverage.

iOS 27 support list

Here’s the full compatibility list for iOS 27:

• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone SE (2022)
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air

Accounting for the expected iPhone 18 and its siblings, iOS 27 will be supported by around 34 iPhone models, which is an impressive showing of software support on Apple's part.

It’s also unlikely that any iOS 27-compatible iPhones will be left waiting for the update, since Apple tends to make new versions of iOS available to all models in one fell swoop (take note, Samsung).

It’s worth noting, however, that even though older models like the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 will support iOS 27, Apple Intelligence — which includes features like Clean Up, Live Translation, and Apple's new AI-powered voice assistant, Siri AI — will remain locked to the iPhone 15 Pro and newer.

Siri AI support list

As above, only those devices already compatible with Apple Intelligence will support Siri AI. The full list is as follows:

• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPad models with M1 or later
• MacBooks with M1 or later
• MacBook Neo

Importantly, though, not all Siri AI features will be available on those iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

Specifically, expressive voices and more advanced dictation — which are powered by Apple’s "most powerful on-device model" — are limited to the devices listed below:

• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPad Pro models from 2024 and later (7th generation onwards)
• iPad Air models from 2026 and later (8th generation onwards)
• MacBook Pro models from 2023 and later
• MacBook Air models from 2024 and later

Additionally, those iPads and MacBooks will need to be equipped with at least 12GB of memory to be capable of running those advanced Siri AI features.

Siri AI also won't be available in the European Union (EU) or China at launch: "Unfortunately, due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple will not be able to ship Siri AI in the European Union with the release of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Over the past several months, EU regulators did not accept any of Apple’s proposed solutions to bring Siri AI to the EU while safely supporting other virtual assistants," the company explained in a blog post.

So, frustratingly, there are quite a few criteria you'll need to meet if you're hoping to try the best version of Siri AI on your Apple device.

iPadOS 27 support list

As for iPads and iPadOS 27, specifically, Apple has confirmed that the iPad 10.2-inch (2020), iPad Air 10.5-inch (2019), and iPad mini 7.9-inch (2019) won’t support iPadOS 27.

Here’s the full compatibility list for iPadOS 27:

• iPad models from 2021 and later (9th generation onwards)
• iPad Air models from 2020 and later (4th generation onwards)
• iPad Pro models from 2017 and later (2nd generation onwards)
• iPad mini models from 2021 and later (6th generation onwards)

Side note: almost all iPad models are available in multiple sizes and in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, so, in the interest of readability, I’ve grouped the above models into dated categories.

As mentioned, neither iOS 27 nor iPadOS 27 is expected to be released until September, but if you're interested in trying a pre-release, developer-focused version of the former, here's how to download the iOS 27 developer beta.

It’s almost time for WWDC 2026, where Apple is expected to announce iOS 27 and all sorts of other software updates. But will we see new hardware? And more specifically, new iPads? Well, we can’t say for sure, but we do have a fairly good idea of what to expect (and not expect).

Sadly, the answer to that question is probably 'no' — for two reasons. The first is obvious — WWDC is Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, with the key word there being ‘developers’, meaning that the focus is on software, not hardware.

Now, that doesn’t completely rule out new devices. After all, Apple has announced various Macs and MacBooks at WWDC in recent years. The HomePod was also unveiled at WWDC back in 2019, and looking back further, some early iPhones even got a WWDC unveiling.

In fact, the iPad Pro (2017) was even announced at that year’s WWDC, so a new iPad in 2026 isn’t completely out of the question.

But it is very unlikely — while hardware does sometimes make an appearance at WWDC, most years, there’s next to none, and we haven’t heard any indication that a new iPad will land at this year’s event.

Plus, in recent years, Apple has tended to unveil its new tablets either early in the year, in March or occasionally April, or towards the end of the year, in September or October. Mid-year launches are rare.

And this year, we did indeed see an early-year launch, with the iPad Air (2026) landing back in March. That was only a few months ago, so it would seem odd for Apple to launch another model so soon.

So, based on all of that, I’d say it’s very unlikely that we’ll see a new iPad at WWDC 2026. That said, if you’re an iPad fan, it could still be worth tuning in to the keynote, which kicks off at 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm BST today (Monday, June 8,) or 3am AEST on Tuesday, June 9 if you’re in Australia.

Why you should still tune in

While we probably won’t see new iPads at WWDC 2026, Apple is almost certainly going to unveil some new software in the form of iPadOS 27, which could include some major changes and upgrades.

Nothing has been announced on that front yet, but leaks and rumors point to the long-awaited Siri overhaul, which could turn Apple's voice assistant into a proper AI chatbot, powered by a custom version of Google Gemini.

This upgrade reportedly won’t be limited to just making Siri smarter, though; it’s also likely to include new capabilities, like better AI photo editing prowess and on-screen awareness, so Siri can understand and respond to whatever’s on your screen. It will probably also be able to perform multi-step actions across multiple apps.

Beyond that, iPadOS 27 is also likely to bring improvements to various apps, such as the ability to use natural language to create shortcuts in the Shortcuts app, more customization options in the camera app, redesigned Safari and Weather apps, and a Grammarly-style keyboard upgrade.

These are all things that we’ll probably see in iOS 27 too, but on the iPad-specific side, reports point to new layouts for Apple Music, Apple TV, and the Podcasts app to make better use of the iPad's larger display. Plus, there are likely to be various performance and stability improvements.

While iPadOS 27 will probably be announced at WWDC 2026, it’s unlikely to launch in finished form until September — but in the meantime, we expect various betas to roll out, giving you a chance to try many of the features early if you don’t mind some bugs.

So, if you want to see exactly what Apple is cooking up on the software side, here’s how to watch WWDC 2026 live — though, of course, we’ll be covering all the announcements here too.

When might we see new iPads?

So, if we probably won’t see new iPads at WWDC, when might we? Well, the next point in the year when Apple would typically announce new tablets is September or October — either alongside the iPhone 18 line in the former month or separately a month later. The latter, though, has been more common, especially in recent years.

Of those two months, I’d guess October is the more likely, so the new tablets have some time to shine rather than getting buried in the iPhone launch. Of course, there’s a chance we won’t see any more new iPads this year, and that Apple will instead wait until March of 2027. After all, we don’t always see late-year iPad launches, but we have in the last two years.

Whenever we do get new iPads, the most likely models are the base model iPad (2026) and an iPad mini (2026), both of which have been rumored for a launch this year. That said, Apple doesn’t stick to yearly updates for its iPads, so it’s hard to predict.

There may also be a new iPad Pro this year, but with no real reports of one and the previous model only landing last October, we wouldn’t count on it. And with the latest iPad Air having landed earlier this year, it’s unlikely the next model of that will be among Apple’s next tablet releases — especially if we do see new slates this year.

Jony Ive was at the heart of Apple's design philosophy for generations until he left the company in 2019 to start his own venture. But his influence throughout his nearly 30-year tenure at the firm is undoubtedly still prevalent in the company's products today.

Wonder in simplicity

Ive has been responsible for some of the technology industry's most iconic designs, with landmark devices including the iMac, iPod, and the iPhone.

He delivered his thoughts on the potential for technology to transcend the mundanity of the ordinary when promoting the first generation of the iPad in 2010.

Describing the iPad, Ive sought to explain how Apple's core philosophy when engineering this device — by all accounts a game-changing piece of kit — was to strip away any and all complexity and clunkiness.

When you achieve this, the thinking goes, users are left with technology that hides the engineering smartly and makes the device as accessible as possible. They then stop questioning how the technology works and instead focus on their experience using it.

Simplicity in modernity

Jony Ive's new venture, LoveFrom, continued to work with Apple until 2022 before the relationship between the designer and the tech giant ended.

The company has since embarked on various projects, both in and outside the tech world, but the New York Times reported in 2024 that Ive's company was collaborating with OpenAI on novel AI-native hardware. OpenAI later announced it would acquire Ive's AI venture, IO, for $6.5 billion in May 2025 ahead of a push toward a wearables-centric future.

There's scant information on what this hypothetical new AI-native device might look like or how it might work. Also unknown is how it might coexist with smartphones, which are increasingly being stuffed full of AI functionality. Whether a new device gains traction might hinge on how well it cuts through complexity — and with Ive at the helm of its design, it's something consumers would certainly expect.

Apple is not on its back foot, but there's no question that it's under intense pressure to deliver a razzle-dazzle WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8 at 10AM PT.

It's been tradition over the past four or five years of quick in-person opening remarks before Tim Cook cedes the stage to a series of pre-recorded videos, but that may not cut it. It has to, for instance, tell and show, in real time, the product of deep AI foundation model work that it (and partner Google) is bringing to the all-new Siri.

We've seen videos before and then waited two years for a full Apple Intelligence delivery that never came. That won't work this time. What we want is to see the all-new Siri working on an iPhone 17, demo gremlins and all.

Being that vulnerable on stage will break with recent tradition and whisk us back to the Steve Jobs era, when, without a digital net, Jobs would demonstrate new hardware and software on stage. It's true, he occasionally admonished everyone in Apple's Town Hall at One Loop to "turn off their WiFi," but we'll never forget those moments.

Give us the "Cook" moment

I also think developer and media attendees will demand more than a brief glance at the outgoing CEO. This WWDC keynote will be Cook's swan song as Apple CEO before John Ternus takes over in September, just in time for the iPhone 18 rollout.

We'll want Cook to remark about his impact on the company, a video retrospective, and maybe even some frank comments about highs and lows ("Okay, maybe we went a little too far with Liquid Glass...").

Please, Apple and Tim, let's get real here and embrace the moment in a way that, again, no one will forget.

A series of live presentations

If I had my way, the entire keynote format would be switched up so that Cook engages with each platform lead to walk through the big changes coming with iOS 27 and the rest of the "27" platforms.

The biggest chunk should be reserved for a sit-down with Tenrus, who could walk Cook through the new Siri. It will all be far more impactful than an hour or more of videos, even the humorous ones featuring Craig Federighi's hair.

The hard truth

Any time I mention the possibility of "one more thing" at a WWDC Keynote, I'm reminded that it's not a hardware event...except when it is. The trash can Mac Pro made its debut there, as did the Vision Pro.

I think it's altogether possible that this WWDC 2026 keynote could be the one where Apple gives us a surprise glimpse of the iPhone Ultra (iPhone Fold).

As I've written before, a folding, and possibly two-screen iPhone would make special demands of iOS 27, ones that I think would be hard to hide from the public as dev and public betas start rolling out throughout the summer.

I'd suggest Apple embrace the sea change and reveal that "Of course, we're working on a folding device!"

Tim Cook holding the iPhone Ultra prototype over his head as the company announces an important new entry in the iPhone lineup is quite the image. It will be a brief look, and I'm sure Apple will offer scant details, but can you imagine the excitement and satisfaction for Cook, who will not have the opportunity to do so in September when I suspect the iPhone Ultra officially launches alongside the rest of the iPhone 18 lineup.

The other possibility here is that Cook gets to preview Apple Glasses, maybe even casually walking out on stage wearing the AR spectacles and not revealing the fact until he closes the keynote. People would lose their minds.

For all the success Apple has had in 2026 (mostly thanks to the MacBook Neo), it's clear it's lagging in key areas like foldables, AR, and especially AI. Business as usual will not suffice.

So this is my call to Apple: Don't play it safe, don't prerecord those videos. Leave the comedy behind, and go for an all-live event with high stakes and real impact.

That, my friends, will be a WWDC keynote for the books.

In all my years testing gadgets for TechRadar, I've never once reviewed an iPhone. I'm an Android boy through and through, and I've never found a convincing argument to change over to team Apple...

... if we're talking about smartphones. However, I've always maintained that the best tablets are those made by the Cupertino tech giant, and that's still the case in 2026.

In the last six months, I've tested several Android tablets with solid specs, great-looking screens, impressive portability, and useful accessory offerings. But so far, none have convinced me that I should leave behind the best iPads for an Android-powered slate.

But this isn't for the reasons often cited by iPad fans — for me, there's one key thing that Android tablets have failed to properly copy from Apple's slates.

The usual suspects are suspect

I've heard quite a few arguments for choosing iPads over Android tablets and, honestly, some of them are pretty valid.

For professionals and creative types, Android tablets can simply be a no-go due to their lack of apps. A few of the biggest names just aren't available on even the best Android tablets: Procreate, DaVinci Resolve, and Shapr3D, for instance, as well as Apple's own suite of apps.

Some reasons, however, don't fly. Apple fans will talk eloquently about how important the company's M-series chips are, components which were designed for laptops but now come in iPad Pros. However, there just isn't a need for this kind of power in a portal device.

I'm also not convinced by arguments citing the iPad's superior range of accessories (every Android tablet under the sun offers stylus and keyboard compatibility), wider product ecosystem (that's always been Android's strength anyway), and better longevity (I've met pensioners using decades-old Fire tablets; Androids survive just fine).

None of these are the reasons I'm still sticking to my iPad. It's something a lot simpler.

I just want two apps

There's one thing that my iPad does far better than any Android tablet I've ever used: multitasking via app split-screening. That might not seem like much of a feature to set my tablet hopes on, but I use my slate split-screened more frequently than I do in a single-app orientation.

The key is simplicity. When I've got one app open, and I want another on the other side of my screen, I just swipe up to summon the task bar, press and hold on the app I want, and drag it to one half of the screen. It'll appear, resizing itself to fit. Simple.

I'm constantly jumping between different apps in split-screen: a word processing app, an internet browser for research, email, or socials, depending on the work I'm doing and who I need to submit it to. In the last few years, Apple has also let me put different internet tabs on different sides, so I can conduct two-fold research.

This all sounds like a basic tablet function, and true enough, split-screening is — but on iPads, it's uniquely easy to enable.

Take, for example, the OnePlus Pad Go 2, which our reviewer was very taken by. On OxygenOS — which is pretty faithful to stock Android — the process involves loads more steps. You need to open the app, swipe up to the recent apps list, press the three-vertical-dot options menu, select Split View, and then navigate through your entire tablet's interface to find the other app you want. It's a timely process that depends on you knowing exactly where in your slate your chosen app is located.

That process is, from my experience, typical of Android tablets. It's the same in Samsung Galaxy tablets, for example, and on most alternatives: generally, Android tablets don't come with a lower toolbar, unless a manufacturer adds it themselves.

That's the case with Xiaomi's HyperOS, and it's also got a neat feature that lets you quickly banish one split-screen app in favor of the other.

Split-screening on Android tablets is such an unnecessarily convoluted process that it puts me off using them for my workflow. And that's a real shame, because Apple's ceding its crown, and someone needs to take it.

Apple's getting soft(ware)

Apple's days as the top tablet dog are numbered. Partly, it's because of what Android makers are pulling off, but for the most part, it's a case of self-sabotage.

In the last year or so, certain Android makers have started to work out what makes iPads tick. They've stopped trying to release big, powerful tablets with lovely screens and have instead focused a lot more on software.

Xiaomi, as mentioned, has come closest to nailing the multi-screen experience, with tablets like its recent Pad 8 really impressing me. It has an iPadOS-like bottom bar to easily summon apps, and a clean look that doesn't overwhelm you with apps or options.

Ironically, one of the biggest companies failing at the software game — at least in terms of new features — is now Apple. Its Liquid Glass design overhaul in iOS 26 (and iPadOS 26) is so ugly that we had to publish a guide on how to make it easier on the eyes; it's an accessibility nightmare, adding stuttery navigation effects and making app icons look like poorly-cut-out PNGs. As you can tell, I'm not a fan, and it makes iPads feel cheap.

Around the same time as Liquid Glass' release, another infuriating update rolled out, which brought Mac-like windowing and multitasking to the iPad. In doing so, it also brought an axe to the simplicity and ease of use that had defined iPads previously — and that likely made them so popular among users.

Now, when you open an app on an iPad, it's hard to know for sure whether it'll take up the whole screen, appear in a window with an annoying border so it doesn't take up the whole display, or hover in a small panel over an existing app.

Sometimes, you'll close an app, but it'll move off the screen with its edges poking over, and it's hard to know how to fully close it. Controlling and adjusting these windows is wildly unintuitive and frustrating; after at least six months on the software, I still never feel like I'm in control of my iPad.

Perhaps for seasoned Mac users, the upgrade is a positive one, but it's nullified the simplicity that made me enjoy my iPad. You can turn off windowed apps, but that also stops you from being able to split-screen, so it's not exactly a solution.

This all suggests that Apple doesn't actually know why people buy iPads. They think users buy these tablets as portable productivity machines, possibly misled by the fact that the iPad Pro is its most popular tablet. That's true in terms of sales rankings, but the iPad Pro still makes up a minority of sales compared to the brand's three consumer-focused slates combined. iPads are bought by everyday tech users, not professionals, and complicated, ugly software is just going to put them off.

For now, I'm just about holding onto my iPad. But the slow and steady improvements coming to Android tablets, and Apple's own iPad self-immolation (or should that be self-iMmolation?) is really tipping the balance. It's very likely that Android tablets will soon catch up, or even overtake, iPads and iPadOS, and I'll happily jump ship once that happens.

Apple’s iPad Air has been a great middle-ground tablet in recent years, sitting between the top-tier workhorse iPad Pro and the base model iPad.

While it’s tempting to get this year’s model with the desktop-class Apple M4 processor, last year’s iPad Air with the M3 chipset is currently discounted on Amazon Australia at AU$797, which is 20% off the RRP of the new version.

The current model might have the more powerful processor and more RAM (12GB vs 8GB in the M3 model), but our tests have shown that you really won’t feel the difference in speed between the two iPad Airs when browsing, streaming, taking notes or drawing. The power upgrade really only makes a difference if you’re doing a lot of heavy 3D or AI work with the tablet. For the average user, the M3 silicon is plenty powerful and then some.

In our iPad Air M3 review, the tester found the chipset helped make the tablet fly with nearly every task thrown at it, handling video editing and graphically demanding AAA games effortlessly. They even said that the tablet performed almost similarly to the M4 iPad Pro at the time, which had them question exactly which specific use cases might require someone to make that jump to the top-tier offering.

While the iPad Air is still capped at a 60Hz refresh rate, the Liquid Retina display is excellent and has punchy colours, good contrast and 500 nits peak brightness.

The M3 model is also perfect if you’re upgrading from an older iPad Air, an entry-level iPad or another tablet, providing you with enough processing power to last you a few more years before it feels sluggish.

If you want to take full advantage of the iPad Air’s features, you can use your savings to invest in the Apple Pencil Pro to take notes with, or get a keyboard folio to make it a laptop replacement.

• Belkin has turned Toy Story 5’s Lilypad into an iPad case for 10th- and 11th-gen models
• The movie-scale accessory features EVA foam protection, a kickstand, and a carry handle
• It's available at Walmart now, ahead of the film hitting theaters in June

We’ve already seen some strong Toy Story 5 tie-ins — from impressive new Woody and Buzz Lightyear figures from Mattel to a real-world Lilypad 'tablet' from LeapFrog — and now Belkin is stepping into the mix with what feels like the most practical version yet.

It’s not an actual Lilypad, but a movie-scale, character-inspired case that wraps around either a 10th- or 11th-gen iPad. In other words, it transforms Apple’s most affordable tablet — and arguably the best iPad for most people — into one of the standout new characters from Toy Story 5.

Belkin is teaming up with Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disney Consumer Products to bring the frog-shaped smart tablet character from the upcoming film to life as a protective, character-themed case rather than a toy or standalone device.

The Lilypad iPad Case costs $49.99 and is currently exclusive to Walmart, with wider availability coming soon via Amazon and Belkin’s own store. In Australia, the iPad case will be AU$69.95 at launch and in the UK it's £39.99.

For the price, you get a bright green EVA foam shell built for durability, with shock-absorbing protection against drops and everyday bumps. It’s clearly aimed at younger users (or nostalgic adults), using non-toxic, wipe-clean materials designed for regular handling.

Crucially, it doesn’t compromise on functionality. All key iPad controls remain fully accessible, including the power button, volume up and down, USB-C charging port, and rear cameras — meaning the iPad works exactly as it normally would, just inside a much more playful shell.

Belkin also includes a two-year warranty, adding an extra layer of reassurance for what’s likely to be a heavily used (and occasionally dropped) device accessory.

Design-wise, it leans fully into the character. Lilypad’s signature eyes sit at the top, alongside a centered carry handle for portability. On the back, a fold-out kickstand props the iPad into landscape mode for watching, drawing, or gaming, while frog-like hands wrap around the sides, and a soft-touch finish improves grip.

The comparison with other Toy Story 5 tie-ins highlights just how different Belkin’s approach is.

Mattel’s Lilypad is firmly in toy territory — a smaller figure with a compact screen and light interactivity built for play with other figures. LeapFrog’s version goes the other way entirely, and is a dedicated kids’ learning tablet built around the character.

Belkin sits between the two, but leans closest to real-world use. Rather than creating a new device or scaling the character down into a toy, it simply re-skins an existing iPad — keeping full functionality intact while adding the character design on top.

That distinction matters because this is a movie-scale interpretation of Lilypad, designed to let fans take home what could become one of the film’s breakout characters in a functional, everyday form rather than a display piece.

It also hints at something broader. With Belkin already working closely with Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, this feels less like a one-off crossover and more like a template for future character-driven tech accessories — potentially across other franchises if the concept proves popular.

If you're already sold and have a 10th- or 11th-gen iPad, you can get Belkin's Lilypad iPad Case from Walmart for $49.99. It'll launch from Belkin's online store and Amazon, among other retailers, on June 1, 2026.

Tim Cook’s reign as Apple boss is coming to an end. The long-time leader of one of the world’s largest tech companies is stepping down on September 1 and installing the company’s hardware chief John Ternus as his replacement. A new Apple era is almost here.

Ternus has been at the company for around 25 years, so we’ve had plenty of time to get acquainted with him. That hasn’t stopped fevered speculation surrounding what he might do to shape Apple in his own image. Yet there are plenty of ways that things will stay very much the same with this old hand at the wheel. If you’re curious to see what lies in store under Ternus’s watch, read on to learn five ways that Apple probably won’t change — and two ways that it might.

Hardware and software integration

Apple is world-famous for the way it controls the whole widget, to paraphrase Steve Jobs. The company makes its own hardware and software and integrates them together incredibly well. Could that change under Ternus’s leadership?

Don’t bet the farm on it. Given that Ternus has been part of the Apple furniture for a quarter century, building hardware and software that work together impeccably is now part of his DNA. And while he might currently be the firm’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, he’s also played a role in much of Apple’s software. He strongly pushed for the creation of iPadOS, for example, and took on the role of “executive sponsor” for design in recent months, which unsurprisingly includes software. If you’re expecting him to break with Apple tradition when it comes to integration, you’ll be disappointed.

Emphasis on design

As executive sponsor for design, Ternus is becoming intimately attuned to the design situation at Apple. His role involves explaining current projects and sticking points to Apple’s board, requiring a deep understanding of how the cookie crumbles at a company defined by design.

According to Bloomberg, Ternus and Cook held a staff meeting after the CEO transition was announced. There, Ternus reportedly told employees: “We’re going to keep focusing on design, because design is core to what we do at Apple. Apple’s brought truly incredible design to more people than any company in history.”

What’s more, there’s no way Ternus could have ascended to the lofty heights that he has without a proven grasp of Apple’s design inclinations. With that being so, the likelihood of him suddenly rewriting the playbook in this area is next to zero.

Durability over repairability

In his role as head of Apple’s hardware, Ternus has been repeatedly questioned about the company’s policies on product repairability. And on this subject, he’s been clear that Apple prioritizes durability rather than repairability, with the logic being that a product that lasts a long time doesn’t need to be repaired.

Speaking to TechCrunch, Ternus explained: “Repairability in isolation is not always the best answer.” As he went on to describe, “The reality is repairability is a means to an end. The goal is to build products that last, and if you focus too much on [making every part repairable], you end up creating some unintended consequences that are worse for the consumer and worse for the planet.” One example could be a removable part that introduces a new point of failure, thereby negatively affecting the device’s longevity in the long run.

Given Ternus has long been responsible for setting Apple’s hardware priorities, you can expect this emphasis on durability over repairability to remain. Although he has insisted that “We want to make things more repairable,” the focus will continue to be on making long-lasting products that, with any luck, won’t need to be repaired during their lifespans.

Privacy and security

Steve Jobs liked to insist on user privacy, but it was under his successor Tim Cook that the company really made this a defining trait. Now that John Ternus is next in line, you might be questioning whether that commitment to privacy and security will endure.

The good news is that it almost certainly will. In the comments reported by Bloomberg, Ternus told Apple staff that he will continue to work on these efforts, with no change in policy on this front. As before, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise – you don’t get as far within Apple as John Ternus has without believing in the program.

Environmental policy

In those same remarks cited by Bloomberg, another core Apple policy that Ternus pledged would not change is its stance on the environment. During Cook’s time in charge, Apple has made strenuous efforts in this area by reducing packaging and cutting emissions, so much so that Apple aims to ensure that both the company and its entire supply chain are carbon neutral by 2030.

Speaking to Apple employees, Ternus explained that: “there are some things that can never change and won’t change,” with action on the environment being one of them.

A renewed focus on hardware

Despite all those aspects that Ternus has promised will remain the same, there are a few areas where the new CEO might want to put his own stamp on affairs. Naturally, given his background, one of those could be a renewed focus on hardware. After all, Ternus has headed up Apple’s hardware division for many years now, so it seems reasonable to assume he’d bring plenty of that acumen to the table.

Tim Cook cut his teeth in operations and was not, by all accounts, a product person. John Ternus, though, most definitely is, and he’s been ultimately responsible for ensuring Apple’s physical products are up to scratch for years. With that in mind, we might see the company double down on hardware quality and innovation, which could be just what troubled devices like the Vision Pro need going into the future.

A drive into home tech

Before he got started in the world of work, Ternus studied mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. There, his senior project was a mechanical feeding arm designed for use by people with quadriplegia. I say this because it coincides nicely with a product that Apple is rumored to be working on: a smart home display that’s mounted on a robotic arm.

This device is just one of Apple’s mooted smart home products that are reportedly just around the corner. These devices were initiated under Tim Cook, but with Ternus heading up the company, we might see a new push into this arena. Given the parallels between his senior university project and at least one of Apple’s smart home devices, that could be a fitting change for Apple to embrace.

• iPadOS 26.4 has a new feature that helps users find hidden app windows
• It adds another Mac-like element to the tablet operating system
• But the Mac-ification of the iPad could cause unnecessary confusion

In recent years, Apple has steadfastly refused to say it’s merging the iPad and Mac, all while increasing the overlap between its iPadOS and macOS operating systems. With the launch of iPadOS 26.4 in March, that was strengthened even further. But I’m concerned that it blurs the lines a little too much — and risks confusing Apple fans as a result.

In this case, we’re talking about a new feature in iPadOS 26.4 that makes it easier to locate your open windows. The original version of iPadOS 26 added support for running multiple app windows on your iPad, but the problem was that you could lose track of them if you had too many open. In iPadOS 26.4, though, that’s all changed.

Now, you'll see a little popup appear over an app’s icon if it has multiple windows open. The popup will say “X Hidden Windows” (with X being the number of windows) and “Show All Windows” written below. Just click the popup and all that app’s existing windows will be shown on-screen. It’s a quick and handy way to keep track of your app windows without losing them over the course of your day.

This is definitely more of a feature for iPad power users than something most people will need on a day-to-day basis, as I suspect the majority of iPad users never open more than one app window at a time, never mind lose track of them. Yet despite the useful nature of this feature, I’m concerned that it might muddy the waters between Apple’s devices.

The MacBook Neo dilemma

Adding support for multiple windows is definitely a desktop-like feature and helps the iPad feel more akin to one of Apple’s best Macs than a tablet. Throw in a compatible mouse and keyboard and the tablet can easily double up as a laptop, with some caveats.

A few years ago, that was all well and good — the iPad could serve as an affordable laptop alternative for people who didn’t want to shell out $999 or more for a MacBook. But with the launch of the MacBook Neo, that’s all changed.

Now, you just need to pay $599 / £599 / AU$899 and you get a legitimate laptop that punches well above its weight. In a world like this, why would you need an iPad that moonlights as a MacBook? The only reason I can think of is that you like the tablet form factor.

Yet that doesn’t change the fact that Apple is making its iPads more Mac-like when there’s a perfect good — and affordable — substitute in the form of the MacBook Neo. If you want an entry-level device, you’ve now got to choose between the MacBook Neo and the iPad, and that feels like a needlessly confusing situation. Should you get an iPad or a MacBook Neo? That’s a question that users are increasingly going to have to ask themselves.

Evidently, though, it’s a state of affairs that Apple is comfortable with. As the recent iPadOS 26.4 update demonstrates, the company is still bringing Mac-esque features to its iPads, even after the MacBook Neo was revealed — and even as it denies that the two systems are being combined. That makes it look like this perplexing overlap is here to stay for the foreseeable future.

• Apple has listed the 32GB Apple TV HD and iPad Mini 4 'obsolete', and the 2017 MacBook Air is 'vintage'
• A lot of users are confused, as the Apple TV HD is still getting tvOS 26 updates
• It could mean a new Apple TV 4K is coming this year

Apple has added three more devices to its lists of ‘obsolete’ and ‘vintage’ products, and it’s caused a bit of confusion as all three are still in widespread use — and one in particular, the 32GB Apple TV HD, is still very popular.

The tech giant updated its support page yesterday (March 31), declaring the 32GB Apple TV HD and iPad Mini 4, both which were launched in 2015, obsolete. It also added the 2017 13-inch MacBook Air to its list of vintage devices.

What does this mean for users who still use these devices? For the 32GB Apple TV HD and iPad Mini 4, it means they’re no longer eligible for repair services at Apple, so you’ll have to rely on third-party providers. Additionally, Apple will no longer supply spare parts for the two devices. The 64GB Apple TV HD remains fully supported.

Because the 2017 MacBook Air is now vintage rather than obsolete, it’s still eligible for Apple’s repair services, however this is subject to whether parts are available.

Every now and then, Apple adds a handful of products to its obsolete and vintage lists as it launches new devices across its iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other categories, subject to specific criteria.

“Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago”, the company states on its support page. “Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago”.

Still using your 32GB Apple TV HD as if you bought it only yesterday? You’re not the only one, and many users can’t understand why Apple has made this decision.

"This is honestly pretty weird"

Apple listing the 32GB Apple TV HD has surfaced a lot of confusion and frustration among users, especially since the now obsolete 32GB device runs tvOS 26, which rolled out just six months ago in September. Some of those users have taken to Reddit in protest, with one posting "This is honestly pretty weird."

Although the 32GB Apple TV HD is still receiving tvOS 26 updates, the fact that it’s been declared obsolete leads us to believe that it won’t be included in the roster of devices that will be eligible for tvOS 27, which is expected to be announced at WWDC 2026 on June 8 alongside iOS 27.

That suggests the next Apple TV 4K model could drop some time this year, having failed to appear after rumors suggested it was going to drop at the end of 2025.

Reddit users are also wondering why only the 32GB Apple TV HD is affected, and not the 64GB version. Apple hasn’t made any comment on why this is the case, so we’re just as stumped as everyone else. It could be that Apple is waiting until the announcement of the next Apple TV 4K to shift the 64GB Apple TV HD onto its obsolete list — we’ll have to wait and see what’s announced on June 8.

We’ll admit it: we thought Apple would release a new entry-level iPad in March, so much so that we actively warned you against buying the current version until the company’s latest product showcase was done and dusted.

• Shop the full Amazon Spring Deal Days sale

Well, Apple’s March event did play host to the launch of a new iPad, but not a new entry-level model. Instead, the M4-powered iPad Air 13-inch (2026) hit shelves alongside the excellent MacBook Neo — great if you’re in the market for a new cheap laptop, but not so brilliant if you were hoping to see Apple refresh its sub-$400 tablet offering.

In any case, we’re now not expecting a new base iPad to arrive until fall at the earliest, but that’s not a problem for two reasons. First, all signs point towards the next-gen iPad getting little more than a chipset upgrade and Apple Intelligence support.

And second, the still excellent A16-powered model is on sale now for under $300 (was $349) at Amazon.

(Not in the US? See today's best deals in your region below.)

Today's best iPad 11-inch (2025) deal

The iPad 11-inch (2025) ranks as the best iPad for most people and the best cheap tablet overall, and we only advised against buying it earlier this month because, as you’ve read, we thought it was getting replaced in March. But with its A16 chipset, 10-hour battery life, and crisp 10.9-inch screen (Apple likes to round up the numbers), it remains a stellar choice for scrolling, streaming, video calling, and light gaming.

Amazon’s current deal price on the 128GB model isn’t the best we’ve ever seen — it hit as low as $271 during Black Friday last year — but now, unlike before, deals are available on almost every color and storage configuration.

The 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model, for instance, is currently just $466.60 (was $599), which actually is a record-low price.

Still need convincing about the iPad's value? Check out our video review of the tablet below:

More of today's best Amazon Spring Deal Days deals

• Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks, Echo & tablets from $18
• Apple: MacBooks, AirPods, AirTags & iPads from $17
• Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair tools
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99
• Easter: gifts under $50 for all ages
• Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & Samsung
• Laptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199
• Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99
• Toys: 57% off Lego, Tonies & board games
• Vacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34

Is there anything else in technology that sounds quite as familiar and reassuring as the Mac’s iconic startup chime?

BONG!

After a restart, when your screen has gone black, it’s a sound that feels comforting — yes, your Mac is actually going to start up again — and plucky at the same time, proudly announcing to the room that yes, you own a Mac, and yes, it is a goddamn thing of beauty.

That startup sound (originally a C major chord played on a Korg Wavestation EX, in case you were wondering, later updated to F-sharp and then F major in 2020) has been around since 1991 and the Quadra series.

I’ve always felt that owning a Mac is as much about announcing that you own a Mac as it is about actually owning one. That’s part of the attraction — and the reason the Apple logo on a MacBook is designed to face the right way up to the person looking at you when it’s open.

By the mid-2000s, I was editing MacFormat, an Apple magazine that is still going strong today. That meant I had a front-row seat for Steve Jobs’ second coming as CEO of Apple, and I got to see him work his magic up close. I was there for the launch of the iPhone and the iPad, and I'll never forget it.

Even now, 50 years after Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, with early operations run out of Jobs’ parents’ garage, and despite the fact that Apple has in many ways become the very system it once positioned itself directly against, owning a Mac can still make you feel like one of the rebels — the crazy ones, the misfits — that Jobs spoke about in Apple’s 1997 'Think Different' campaign.

It’s such a powerful expression of that idea that it’s worth quoting in full:

“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

Those words were definitely of the time, and in 2026, it feels like we could all use a little less crazy, but in the 90s they hit hard, and attracted their fair share of criticism for being as much about marketing as anything else.

Insanely great

The fact is, if Apple and its products were nothing more than tribal marketing, they wouldn’t have lasted. Instead, Apple endured and eventually dominated because its products were usually better made than its competitors’. Fifty years on, that still feels broadly true.

In fact, Apple’s products were often so “insanely great” that they came to define the decades they belonged to. You can’t think of the 2000s without the iPod, or the decade after without the iPhone.

So let’s run through the timeline and what it actually felt like to be an Apple user in each decade.

1980s — discovery

I first used a Mac in the 1980s. My dad had a Macintosh 128K. I don’t remember doing much on it apart from marveling at the graphical interface. I’d grown up with an Acorn Electron, which booted into text mode — much like the PCs of the time, which dropped you into DOS before Microsoft created Windows.

In contrast, the Mac had menus, a mouse, and windows. Moving a cursor across the screen instead of typing commands felt almost absurdly futuristic. It took Microsoft until Windows 3.1 to catch up — but by then, Apple had already defined what personal computing could look like.

The classic 1984 Super Bowl ad set out Apple’s innovation stall early, making a stand against conformity and the PCs of the time. That wasn’t just marketing — it told you what it felt like to be an Apple user during the decade. Watch it here:

Of course, it didn’t turn out to be a smooth ride for Apple, as time would tell, but this was Apple at its best — bold, innovative, creative, and offering a glimpse of something different in a world of beige conformity.

1990s — doubt

This is the decade Apple lost its way. PCs were cheaper, ubiquitous, and far more flexible. They had more hardware options and, in most areas, could simply do more than a Mac. If you still owned a Mac, you probably worked in publishing (hello!), or in video editing and graphic design — the few areas Apple still dominated. Beyond that, it was getting harder to justify.

PCs had the best games and the best business software. Steve Jobs had been forced out of his own company, and Apple’s fortunes were on the wane. Plenty of people genuinely didn’t expect it to survive into the new millennium.

And being an Apple user didn’t feel good anymore. The Mac vs PC war was being won by Microsoft, and Apple was in real trouble. It felt like Apple users had backed the wrong horse.

My defining memory of the decade is PC users openly mocking my Mac for its one-button mouse — and me having pretty much nothing to say in response.

2000s — revival

This was when everything changed for Apple. Steve Jobs returned with a clear vision, and alongside designer Jony Ive, began reshaping the company with ruthless focus.

By the mid-2000s I was enjoying my dream job, editing MacFormat magazine, which meant I had a front-row seat to what was happening — and the shift was impossible to miss.

It started with the iMac in October, 1999. Designed for a world that was just beginning to get online, it ditched the beige box for something playful and translucent, available in bright colors. It felt different, and that difference mattered.

But it was the iPod that made Apple cool again. A small, simple music player that let you carry your entire record collection in your pocket. The click wheel, the white headphones… suddenly, Apple wasn’t just back, it was everywhere.

The iTunes Store followed, and with it, Apple found its place at the intersection of technology and culture in a way no company had quite managed before, or arguably since.

And then came the iPhone.

I was there for its launch in San Francisco in 2007, and it genuinely felt like watching Steve Jobs perform magic on stage — a touchscreen device you could put in your pocket and use to access the internet. It didn’t just feel new; it felt like science fiction becoming reality.

This was perhaps the best decade to be an Apple user. Every product felt fresh, ambitious, and just a little bit ahead of what Microsoft and everybody else was doing. Watching the company recover and then surge past everyone was exhilarating.

The ‘alternative’ identity of being an Apple user during this time was perfectly captured by the 'Get a Mac' ads, with Justin Long as the Mac and John Hodgman as the PC:

2010s — dominance

The 2010s began with Apple launching the iPad, ushering in what it called the post-PC era. For a moment, it felt like Apple could do no wrong.

But that confidence was shaken in October 2011, when Steve Jobs died. Apple didn’t collapse without him, far from it, but it did have to figure out what it was without its mercurial founder. Tim Cook took the reins, and we entered a new era.

This became a decade of bold decisions, not all of which landed. Apple was still trying to live up to its own myth, even if the results were sometimes divisive.

Nowhere was that clearer than in its design. The early part of the decade was defined by skeuomorphism, with interfaces that mimicked real-world materials. Then in 2013, Jony Ive tore it all down. iOS 7 introduced a flatter, brighter, more abstract look. It was a 'year zero' moment that split opinion and, for the first time in years, seemed to fracture Apple’s user base.

There were clear wins. Siri and iCloud became foundational parts of the Apple ecosystem. But there were also missteps, most notably the butterfly keyboard, which could be undone by something as simple as a few crumbs.

Apple spent the rest of the decade consolidating its position. The Apple Watch arrived in 2014, but grew slowly into its role rather than exploding onto the scene. The iPhone settled into a steady yearly rhythm of updates.

Apple was no longer the underdog, or even the comeback story. It was the dominant force in consumer tech, and for the first time in a long time it started to feel like it was playing it safe.

2020s — reflection

And so we come to the 2020s, where Apple managed to surprise everyone again — this time by ditching Intel and producing its own silicon. The M1 chip ushered in a new era of fast, efficient, and often fanless performance that reset expectations for what a Mac could be.

By 2023, the transition to Apple silicon was complete across the lineup. After that, progress became more incremental, with everything just getting a little bit better each year.

Then Apple took another swing at something bigger. The Vision Pro and its push into “spatial computing” felt like a return to the boldness of earlier decades.

Whether it was the right bet is less clear. For once, Apple seemed slightly out of step, focusing on new hardware just as the rest of the industry began to pivot hard toward artificial intelligence. It tried to claw it back with Apple Intelligence, but bit off more than it could chew, and had to go cap in hand to Google for its AI chops to spice up iOS and Siri.

We’re still waiting to see how that plays out — and this year’s WWDC could be a defining moment for Apple’s AI ambitions.

One more thing

It’s a credit to the quality of Apple’s products that they continue to dominate, even as the company appears slower to move on AI. Apple is often seen as an innovator, but its real strength has always been in execution — taking an idea and delivering it better than anyone else. Time will tell if that approach still works in the age of AI.

Across 50 years, Apple has managed to hold onto its identity as the alternative company. I still use a Mac and somehow, despite it being one of the biggest corporations in the world, Apple still makes me feel like I'm thinking differently by choosing it.

If there’s a single piece of Apple magic that has survived all this time, it’s that.

• Age verification is rolling out for iOS and iPadOS users in the UK
• Some users are struggling with finding ID or getting it approved
• One option is to refuse to install the iOS 26.4 / iPadOS 26.4 update

Apple has caused a storm of confusion and controversy with its decision to roll out age verification in the UK with iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 — and a substantial number of users are having problems proving how old they are.

If you're a UK user and install the iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 update, you'll be met with a message asking you to prove you're over 18, with some exceptions: people who already have a credit card on file (these can only be issued to adults), and those who've had their Apple account longer than 18 years.

For now, the prompt can be dismissed (you can find it again in Settings), but that presumably won't last forever. The two verification methods that Apple supports are scans of a credit card (not debit cards) and scans of a photo driving license, but as 9to5Mac reports, there are numerous people who don't have either.

Even for those who can provide a card or ID, the process seems to be buggy, and failing quite regularly. As per feedback given to 9to5Mac, you can try waiting a longer time (around 10 seconds) for a scan to be accepted, add a credit card to Apple Wallet, or restart your phone and attempt the process again if you're having an issue.

Stopping the update

While Apple hasn't explicitly said why the age checks have been brought in, there's growing momentum in the UK and worldwide for child safety protections to be built into phones and apps. Adult websites operating in the UK are required by law to verify the age of users, though up until now this hasn't been handled at the device level.

While UK regulator Ofcom has welcomed the move, the reaction among users has been less than impressed, with the rollout branded as "stupid" and "ridiculous". It's not quite on the level of Apple's biggest tech fails (which we recently rounded up for your amusement), but there's also a growing unease that these kinds of restrictions are going to be expanded to further countries and devices over time.

You do have the option of refusing to install the iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 update: From Settings, tap General > Software Update and turn off Automatic Updates. However, that does also mean you won't get the latest software features or security updates from Apple, so it's not usually recommended in the long term.

As well as keeping schtum about the age verification rollout, Apple hasn't said anything about or what people without a credit card or driving license in the UK are supposed to do to get verified — but hopefully we'll get some official guidance soon.

If you own one of the best iPads (or even an older model), a compatible stylus is a must-have accessory, but you don’t need to spend silly money to unlock your Apple tablet’s creative potential. As slick and feature-packed as the official Apple Pencil appears (in both its USB-C and Pro forms), there are plenty of decent alternatives out there that can give you a comparable experience for a much lower price.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best Apple Pencil alternatives we’ve tested to date. Some, like the ESR Geo Digital iPad Pencil, offer Pro-level features including palm rejection, tilt sensitivity, and tap gestures, while others, like the Metapen Pencil Air8, are more basic in their functionality.

You can read our verdicts on the Metapen Pencil A8, MEKO iPad Pencil, Yunju Stylus Pen, TQQ Pencil, and AUZOSL Stylus Pen in our dedicated Apple Pencil alternatives roundup, and our impressions of the ESR Geo Digital Pencil and Metapen Pencil Air8 elsewhere on TechRadar. All seven of those options are available in the UK, but not all are sold in the US, so we've split this page into US and UK-based collections.

We encourage you to check the item description for each product to ensure it’s compatible with your specific iPad model, but for the most part, the options we’ve included will work with every iPad released since 2018. And the best part? Plenty of our favorite Apple Pencil alternatives are on sale now.

US: Apple Pencil alternatives

UK: Apple Pencil alternatives

March has shaped up to be a fairly competitive month for Apple device deals in Australia, but if you missed or skipped the recent Amazon Big Smile Sale or Afterpay Day, the good news is that some lingering Apple deals have hung around — Amazon, for example, is still offering discounts of up to 40% on a range of Apple tech.

And in some cases, such as with the AirPods Pro 3, we’ve actually seen prices drop further, with Apple’s flagship earbuds now down to AU$369, compared to the AU$379 sale price during last week’s Big Smile Sale.

I’ve listed my five favourite Apple deals and discounts you can still snag below, but be sure to check out the full Apple listings at Amazon, or even the mega online retailer’s complete list of latest deals, as there are some tantalising ongoing discounts on Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, Kindles and more.

Apple's all-new, powerful iPad Air M4 was just released last week, and you can already find an impressive discount on the tablet at Walmart. The retailer has the 11-inch iPad Air M4 on sale for $559 (originally $599), which is the lowest price you can find.

• Shop more deals at Walmart

The newly released 11-inch iPad Air packs a powerful M4 processor, which Apple claims is 30% faster than its predecessor, delivering laptop-like performance and powering Apple Intelligence. The tablet also features an 11-inch LED display, Wi-Fi 7 support, LTE or 5G connectivity, and now includes 12GB of RAM. You also get a 12MP front and rear camera, Touch ID, and an all-day battery life.

In our iPad Air M4 review, we called the tablet the iPad most people should buy, thanks to its performance and price. Today's deal shaves $40 off the iPad Air's retail price, an impressive discount for a newly released Apple device. If you're shopping for more Apple device deals, I've listed more of Walmart's best offers further down the page.

Apple's all-new iPad Air M4 - save $40 at Walmart

Shop more of Walmart's best Apple deals

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: One-minute review

Apple’s iPad Air has long been the 'pro model for most people,' and the 2026 refresh keeps that reputation intact. There are no real design changes this year, but Apple gives the tablet a fuel injection of performance thanks to the M4 chip under the hood, more RAM, and improved connectivity.

This means the iPad Air keeps pace in terms of having Apple’s latest silicon while still sitting below the iPad Pro in price. In everyday use the 13-inch iPad Air absolutely flies, whether you’re juggling multiple windows in iPadOS 26, editing photos or videos, gaming, or pairing it with the Magic Keyboard to act as a laptop replacement.

The display remains the same excellent Liquid Retina panel that was introduced in 2024, and while it still tops out at 60Hz rather than the iPad Pro’s 120Hz ProMotion, it’s a large, vibrant canvas for work, entertainment, and Apple Pencil note-taking.

If you already own an M3 or even M2 iPad Air, this probably isn’t a must-have upgrade. But for anyone coming from an older iPad, or buying their first Air, the M4 model continues to hit a sweet spot of power, portability, and price.

Simply put, the iPad Air with M4 remains the iPad most people should buy. I just hope Apple continues this trend of squeezing more value out of the device. The consistent silicon upgrades keep the iPad Air feeling fresh for years after release, giving it plenty of headroom for new apps and features. I do wish Apple had take the same approach it did with the iPhone 17e by bumping the starting storage, though.

And bear in mind that — as I note in every iPad review I write — you’ll want to factor in the cost of accessories like the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. Both are excellent companions for the iPad Air, but deciding whether to add one or both ultimately comes down to your needs and your budget.

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: Specs

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: Price and availability

Apple is continuing a welcome recent trend with the latest iPad Air, upgrading the processor, and some other features, without raising the starting price. The 11-inch iPad Air and 13-inch iPad Air still start with 128GB of storage, but can be configured up to 1TB.

The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 / £599 / AU$999, while the 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,249, both with 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: Design

• Still a modern, portable design
• Same four colors and no major design changes

What's new about Apple’s 2026 iPad Air — aka the iPad Air with M4 or iPad Air (M4) — is mostly a matter of what’s under the hood. With the same four colors available — Blue, Purple, Starlight, or Space Gray — it keeps a nearly identical build and design language to 2025’s iPad Air with M3, and largely the same look introduced with the 2024 iPad Air with M2.

That’s not a bad thing at all — amid a sea of other mid-range tablets, Apple is still opting for a premium aluminum build that feels plenty portable. Even though the iPad Air is no longer the thinnest or lightest iPad in Apple’s lineup — that honor goes to the iPad Pro — the 13-inch variant remains easily portable, and the 11-inch model even more so.

I regularly go back and forth between either an 11-inch Air or Pro and a 13-inch, and I found myself right at home with the 13-inch iPad Air. It’s the same footprint generation-over-generation at 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1mm and 616 grams (617 grams for cellular), and I absolutely love the Purple shade, although another fresher shade joining the range – maybe a blush pink, as with the iPhone 17e, or citrus yellow like the MacBook Neo, would have been nice.

For the purposes of describing the button layout, we'll talk about using the tablet in landscape mode. The power button with the all-important Touch ID sensor lives on the top left-hand edge, with the volume up and volume down buttons sitting nearby along the top edge. Right beside them are the magnets that easily hold the Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil USB-C.

Everything remains easy to reach in either orientation, and it’s clear Apple feels it's got the ergonomics right here, since the layout hasn’t changed. Touch ID is still fast and reliable for unlocking the iPad Air, or authenticating purchases and other secure actions.

On the rear, the 12-megapixel rear camera remains in the top-left corner on the back, while Apple's Smart connector is along the right edge. This still lets the iPad Air connect to Apple's Magic Keyboard, all without the need for traditional Bluetooth pairing or needing to recharge the accessory.

The Apple logo is centered on the back of the iPad, though it's oriented to be in the proper position when it's held vertical, in landscape it's sideways — either way round it offers some neat reflections and sits flat with the matte aluminum finish.

Ultimately, if you liked the design of the previous iPad Air, or the one before that, you’ll feel right at home here.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: Display

• Display is still sharp, vibrant Liquid Retina
• Still no 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate

Arguably, the most important part of any iPad is the display, and that's even more the case with the 13-inch iPad Air. There are no changes generation over generation here — in fact, this is the same display Apple introduced when it first introduced a larger 13-inch iPad Air in 2024.

That’s not a bad thing, though, as the 13-inch iPad Air affords you an expansive canvas on which to work. It’s only gotten better since true multitasking landed with iPadOS 26, and it's also excellent for watching films or TV shows (anyone else catching up on Scrubs on Disney+ or Hulu right now?).

The 13-inch Liquid Retina display is excellent (Apple is still rounding up from a 12.9-inch screen measured diagonally). It’s not quite as impressive as the iPad Pro’s Dynamic OLED panel with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, but it goes the full mile for productivity and creative tasks. Whether I was watching a film, editing in Final Cut Pro, overlapping windows to write this review, browsing the web, or gaming, everything looked great here.

Colors are vibrant and punchy, but I especially like writing with the Apple Pencil Pro on the 13-inch iPad Air and seeing the inky black handwriting appear. Of course, you can make that pop even more by changing the color of the pencil in Notes, Notability, or GoodNotes — take your pick of your preferred note-taking app.

Just like the previous two generations, the 13-inch Liquid Retina display offers a 2732 x 2048 resolution at 264 pixels per inch with a maximum brightness of 600 nits. The anti-reflective oleophobic coating is pretty essential here on the 13-inch – and the same goes for the 11-inch Air – helping repel fingerprints and reduce reflections from natural light.

As I wrote in 2025, the main miss here is a higher refresh rate. The 13-inch iPad Air still tops out at 60Hz, while Apple reserves the adaptive 120Hz ProMotion display for the iPad Pro lineup. Then again, if you’re not coming from that device — and I don’t see why you would be — it likely won’t be a major issue, and Apple is clearly adding value elsewhere, as in the jump to the M4 chip.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: Cameras

• No changes to the front or rear cameras
• Front camera is still in a better spot, and supports Center Stage

If you’re picking up a 13-inch iPad Air for the first time, or upgrading from an older model, you’ll be happy to know the front-facing camera is in a much better spot than on older models. Like the previous 13-inch iPad Air, the 2026 model with M4 keeps the 12-megapixel front camera on the long edge, which makes it far more usable for FaceTime and other video calls when the tablet is docked in a Smart Cover or the Magic Keyboard.

In landscape mode, the camera sits centered along the top edge, which means you’ll appear properly framed on video calls or when recording self-tapes. It also works nicely with Apple’s built-in Center Stage technology, which keeps you in frame as you move around. That’s helpful if you tend to pace during meetings, or if you’re on a FaceTime call while cooking in the kitchen, and moving around to slice and dice ingredients. Image quality here is solid, and you can enable effects such as Portrait mode and Studio Light in iPadOS.

On the back is the same 12-megapixel rear camera as last time. It’s perfectly fine for snapping quick photos or scanning documents, though I’m not that sure many people are bringing a 13-inch iPad Air along specifically to capture the world. Either way, here are a few shots I captured.

• Cameras score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review:: Software

• iPadOS 26 is still a supercharged experience
• Works well with the optional Magic Keyboard or Apple Pencil

iPadOS 26 was a game-changing update for the entire iPad lineup, but you can really feel the difference on a larger 13-inch iPad Air or Pro. I remember buying the original 12.9-inch iPad when it first launched and ditching my MacBook Pro, hoping to use the iPad as my one device while in college — it wasn’t easy back then, but iPadOS 26 makes it a lot more achievable.

And I’ve been pushing iPadOS 26 pretty hard on the iPad Air (M4, 2026). I’ll dive more into performance below, but this thing really does fly. The main feature of iPadOS 26 is proper window multitasking. I can open Safari and resize it from the bottom corner, then pull Messages into a floating window, do the same with Pixelmator Pro, and continue stacking apps however I see fit. It’s not exactly the Mac experience like for like, though the familiar red, yellow, and green window controls appear in the corner and you can enable a top menu bar, but the system still feels purpose-built for the iPad’s more flexible way of working.

That flexibility really shines on the 13-inch display. I can use my finger, the Magic Keyboard’s trackpad, or an Apple Pencil — whichever input works best for what I’m doing. During testing I edited video in Final Cut, wrote and organized this review in Pages, Google Docs via Safari, and Notes, edited photos in Pixelmator Pro as part of Apple Creator Studio, played games like Real Flight Simulator and Disney Dreamlight Valley, took notes during meetings, FaceTimed with friends and family, and watched plenty of videos.

I did a lot of that undocked, but I also spent time using Apple’s Magic Keyboard. For the iPad Air it now comes in black as well as white, and pricing remains at $319 / £299 / AU$499 for the 13-inch model and $269 / £269 / AU$449 for the 11-inch. With the iPad Air attached it starts to feel quite Mac-like — the tablet floats slightly thanks to strong magnets and you get a good range of tilt for adjusting the screen. The keys have great travel, the trackpad is quite large, and you even get an extra USB-C port for charging or connecting accessories.

For most of this review period I actually pushed my Apple MacBook Pro (14‑inch, M5) to the side and used the iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard instead. No, the keyboard isn’t included, and it does add to the price, but it really does unlock a more complete working experience.

Similarly, the Apple Pencil Pro — priced at $129 / £129 / AU$219 — remains one of the accessories that truly makes an iPad feel like an iPad. It’s fantastic for note-taking, sketching, or mapping out ideas, and artists can do a lot with it in apps like Procreate or Pixelmator Pro. Of course, it’s also great for navigating around iPadOS itself.

Apple Intelligence is also supported here. You’ll see Siri’s full-screen edge glow when asking for help with a long press or by saying “Hey Siri,” — the much-anticipated AI-powered Siri is still on the way, but when it does arrive, the iPad Air will support it. In the meantime you can already use Apple’s AI features to clean up unwanted objects in Photos, solve math problems in Notes, and access a growing set of other tools that should expand further over time.

• Software score: 4 /5

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: Performance

• M4 chip lets you complete most, if not all, feasible tasks on the iPad Air
• Keeps things fast today, with no concerns about the future
• Plenty of headroom for even the most complex tasks

As the name suggests, the iPad Air’s performance is where the real changes lie this year. On the cellular model I’ve been testing there are three upgrades, while the Wi-Fi model gets two. Let’s start with the chip under the hood — and credit Apple for sticking with a steady upgrade strategy.

Apple shipped the iPad Air with the M2 chip in 2024, and with the M3 in 2025; and now in 2026 both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air move to the M4 chip with 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB previously. So while this does mean that if you have an M3 iPad Air you likely don’t need to upgrade — and the same goes for the M2 edition — Apple is steadily keeping this iPad up to date with its latest silicon, ultimately making it more appealing, and better value for someone approaching the iPad Air fresh today.

Inside, the M4 chip features an eight-core CPU with three performance cores and five efficiency cores, a nine-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Regardless of size, it’s paired with 12GB of RAM, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing is supported here as well, which can benefit gaming and creative tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. Memory bandwidth also jumps to 120GB/s, up from 100GB/s previously.

As with the previous generation and the M3, Apple’s decision to bring the M4 chip to the iPad Air really raises the question of whether most people need the iPad Pro for performance alone. The Air sits comfortably above the base iPad in this respect, and feels incredibly capable for heavy multitasking, creative work, and gaming.

As I always do, I tried to throw a lot at the 13-inch iPad Air with M4, and I struggled to slow it down. Even when exporting a video in the background while launching a game and running FaceTime in a floating window, the tablet remained smooth and responsive. The iPad Air simply flies — whether you’re using it as a media consumption device or pairing it with the Magic Keyboard as your main computing machine. The M4 chip also runs silently, and stays cool even while handling heavier workloads.

In everyday use, the iPad Air with M4 rarely feels limited by its hardware. Ultimately, the best compliment I can give it is that whatever I threw at the tablet — within the confines of iPadOS 26 on a 13-inch display — it handled it effortlessly.

Apple’s M4 chip also performed well in our benchmark tests. In Geekbench 6, the 13-inch iPad Air with M4 scored 3,745 single-core and 13,342 multi-core. That’s a solid jump over the iPad Air with M3, which scored 3,023 single-core and 11,716 multi-core, and the M2 model’s 2,591 single-core and 10,046 multi-core. The M3 model was already very fast, so you won’t see dramatic gains year over year, but if you’re upgrading from an M1 Air, an entry-level iPad, or even an older iPad Pro, the improvement will be noticeable.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review: Battery and connectivity

• Still all-day battery life
• Wi-Fi 7 is supported here
• C1X Modem makes for speedy 5G speeds, if you opt for cellular

Unlike the iPhone, Apple actually shares the exact battery size inside the iPad Air — and other iPads — along with its estimates for playback and use. The battery sizes remain unchanged generation over generation, with the 13-inch iPad Air packing a 36.59Wh battery and the 11-inch model coming in at 28.93Wh. That’s not a bad thing, as neither M3 model struggled with battery life.

Apple rates the iPad Air for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi models, and up to nine hours of web use on cellular models. In my daily testing, the 13-inch iPad Air generally made it through most of a workday without issue, though I did occasionally find myself reaching for a charger towards the evening if I wanted to keep using it later into the night.

Apple still ships the iPad Air with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a wall charger in the box.

Complementing the M4 chip is Apple’s N1 chip, which enables support for Wi-Fi 7 alongside Bluetooth 6 and the Thread networking protocol. If you opt for the cellular model, you’ll also get the C1X modem — the same one found in the iPhone Air — for fast connectivity. Like all cellular iPads, the iPad Air is eSIM-only. I’ve been testing the 13-inch iPad Air on Verizon and saw some impressive 5G speeds across New Jersey and New York City.

• Battery and Connectivity score: 4 / 5

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026): Should you buy it?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026): How I tested

I spent six days testing Apple's 13-inch iPad Air with M4, along with a Smart Folio, Apple Pencil Pro, and a Magic Keyboard. After unboxing it I set up the iPad Air as new, downloading all my essential apps.

After that, I switched to the iPad Air from a 14-inch MacBook Pro as my main device for work and play. I threw many tasks into the mix, from productivity-themed ones like responding to emails, uploading articles to a CMS, writing, editing, editing photos and videos, playing games, plenty of video calls, and multitasking to test the M4 chip inside the iPad Air. I also compared it to the entry-level iPad, the previous-generation M3 and M2 iPad Air, the iPad Mini, and the M4 and M5 iPad Pro.

First reviewed March 9, 2026.

It’s been years since I last invested in one of the best laptops, but now my trusted Chromebook is looking a little worse for wear. For a while, I’ve been toying with the idea of replacing it with the iPad Air with M3 — until Apple unveiled the rather attractive MacBook Neo.

Apple’s first entry-level MacBook is one of three new models on the way (along with the MacBook Air M5 and MacBook Pro M5 Pro), marking Apple’s first budget MacBook starting at $599/ £599/ AU$899. Though I’ve gone my whole life without having owned an Apple laptop, the MacBook Neo has me in a trance, and I’m seriously tempted to abandon my initial plan to convert to iPad for a number of key reasons.

The MacBook Neo puts the iPad in a very vulnerable position indeed, especially since more users gravitate towards iPads over MacBooks as a simpler option, primarily because of the laptop's high price point, which also saves them money on advanced features they know will go unused. The Neo shakes this up, not just because of its value, but because of its simple yet plentiful tools — and I like what I see.

1. iPads and its accessories are annoyingly expensive

Price-wise, the MacBook Neo is more or less the same cost as the best iPads, with the exception of the standard iPad range, which starts from a slightly lower price point ($349/ £329/ AU$599). But it adds up even more if you want all the gear, such as the Apple Pencil (starting from $79/ £79/ AU$139), or the Magic Keyboard (starting from $249/ £249/ AU$399).

2. macOS offers a better experience

As far as operating systems, macOS is a lot more flexible than iPadOS for multitasking and app availability, especially when it comes to offering full-featured versions of apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud. More often than not, iPadOS versions of popular apps aren't as extensive in comparison, which isn't a huge setback if you're using an iPad as a tablet, but rings alarm bells if you want to use it like a laptop, as iPadOS is designed to be touchscreen first.

Historically, iPad has also been late to the game with rolling out its own versions of popular apps. It didn’t make its WhatsApp debut until May 2025, and its official Instagram app followed in September 2025.

3. Same size, same fun colors…

The MacBook Neo comes with the same 13-inch screen as most iPad models and, for the first time in forever, comes with a variety of fun color options, just like the standard iPad lineup. Despite the lack of a touchscreen, the MacBook Neo adopts similar design quirks — plus you don’t have to fork out more money to add a keyboard, what more could you want?

4. …and the same Liquid Retina display

Similar to the iPad Air’s screen size and color options, the MacBook Neo also packs Apple’s high-res Liquid Retina display, which could’ve easily been compromised to lower the cost even more.

5. Solid battery life that gets you by

As well as display quality, the battery life on the MacBook Neo is pretty solid for a base-level laptop. Packing an all-day battery life that can run on a single charge (it’s up to 16 hours for continuous video playback), the Neo matches the iPad Air on the battery front.

The newly-unveiled MacBook Neo gives buyers on a budget the opportunity to get an Apple computer — but it's not the only affordable option that's worth considering.

The entry-level iPad 11 (2025) might not seem a natural competitor to this new $599 / £599 / AU$899 device, being a tablet instead of a laptop. But if you bundle it with its Magic Keyboard Folio, it's also a solid device for on-the-go working or creativity.

Moreover, the iPad (128GB, Wi-Fi) and Magic Keyboard Folio bundle costs almost exactly the same as the MacBook Neo at $598 / £578 / AU$998, so they're closer competitors than you'd think.

So if you're in the market for a portable Apple workhorse, which should you buy? I've compared them both below and pulled out their pros and cons to help you decide...

The MacBook Neo is more powerful

If you need raw power, you'll want to pick the MacBook Neo. The same goes if you want lots of storage space without relying on the iCloud.

This laptop has a mobile chipset, but it's a modern one: the A18 Pro, which the iPhone 16 Pro family used. The iPad 11 tablet has the A16, which was used by the iPhone 15 devices.

There's more RAM in the MacBook Neo, offering 8GB, which is a little bit more than the iPad's 6GB. You'll also get more storage for your money with the Neo than the slate, as while both cost the same, the base models have 128GB in the iPad and 256GB in the laptop.

So if you're primarily looking for a productivity tool, the Neo wins here — and that's boosted by the benefits of macOS compared to iPadOS (see 'The iPad and MacBook are very different software experiences' below).

The iPad is more portable

If your priority is buying a device which you can easily carry about, then you'll want to opt for the iPad.

The two devices weigh a similar amount: the MacBook Neo tips the scales at 1.23kg, while the iPad 11 and Magic Keyboard folio is roughly 1.36kg (the iPad is actually only 477g, the folio is heavier). So there isn't a huge amount of difference, weight-wise.

However, the MacBook Neo is bigger. It's 1.3x30x20cm, while the iPad is 0.7x24x18cm, and this is reflected in the screen: the iPad's is 11 inches diagonally, while the Neo has a 13-inch display.

The Magic Keyboard for the iPad counts as a protective folio too, so it's a little more protected.

The MacBook Neo has more ports and edges it on battery

Buyers who need ports to plug in extra accessories (but don't want to buy an adaptor) should pick up the MacBook. The only exception is stylus users, who'll naturally prefer the tablet.

While the iPad only has a single USB-C port, the Neo has two (albeit only one with USB 3 speeds, the other being USB 2) as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. So you can charge the Neo, plug in a hard drive, and listen to music all at the same time.

You can keep those add-ons running for longer with the MacBook, too. It has, according to Apple, a battery life that facilitates 16 hours of video streaming, while the iPad can only achieve that same task for 10 hours.

The iPad and MacBook are very different software experiences

When it comes to software, but the Neo has versatility in its favor. It runs MacOS, Apple's computer software, while the iPad is on iPadOS, a software that's similar to iOS on iPhones.

The name of the game with iPadOS is simplicity. It'll be easy to quickly bring up one or two apps, and have them take up the screen, or shift them around and swap them out if you need. Great if you need to lock in, and focus on a written article or hoard of emails to reply to — and obviously the touchscreen interface is a big differentiator.

However, the flipside of this iPadOS simplicity is that some apps may frustrate you with their limitations. iPad apps aren't the same as their desktop equivalents, usually offering a stripped-down experience with limited features and simpler interfaces. Fine if that's what you want — but if you want a desktop-type experience, maybe not for you.

MacOS may not be as simple, and finding the right apps or program might take a little more work, but it'll be better for more complicated workflows. If you use external storage, or have files in folders you need to juggle in multiple apps, it'll be the better choice for you. If you're trying to edit media on the fly, or mix music, the Neo should have the edge over this iPad — although we've yet to officially benchmark the new laptop.

Bear in mind that the MacBook Neo is navigated via mouse, using the trackpad or a wired / wireless extra. The iPad is touch-first, although you can also use a mouse on it if you want. If you have a preference for mouse or touch navigation, that should help steer your purchase.

Verdict

There's no clear and obvious winner when comparing the MacBook Neo and iPad 11 — deciding between them will come down to the type of mobile computer you want (touchscreen or not) and your main use cases (mostly productivity with a side of fun, or the reverse).

As a tablet, the iPad is designed to be compact, portable and simple, letting you do basic tasks on the go with minimal fuss. It's perfect for people who like to travel light, such as students on a coffee shop coursework crawl, or frequent fliers who need a simple work or entertainment device. The Magic Keyboard Folio offers a comfortable typing experience with similar key travel to the Neo, but it's less good for typing on your lap (being better suited to desks).

The MacBook Neo is a laptop, and this kind of device is naturally a little more advanced. It has more ports, a bigger screen, and a longer-lasting battery. It'll be better for doing involved tasks like file management, photo or sound editing and compiling projects, especially ones where you might be tethered to a desk or work station for long stints. It's also better if you're looking to do lots of typing in different scenarios (on your lap, as well as on desks and tables).

That summarizes the key differences between these two devices, but it's worth bearing in mind that both have more advanced iterations that cost more money. Announced alongside the MacBook Neo was the pricey MacBook Pro 5 Pro, with absolutely loads of power, and the mid-range, larger and more powerful iPad Air M4, with plenty of other members in each range at different price points and specs.

If you've decided on your preferred form factor but want more in the same shell, it's worth exploring those higher-end options, too.

The Apple March event was held earlier this week and unveiled the all-new iPad Air M4, available for preorder starting at $599. While you can find trade-in offers from other retailers, Walmart is actually offering a $40 discount on the iPad Air, bringing the price down to $559.

That's not only an incredible discount on a brand-new Apple device, but also a great price for a powerful 11-inch Apple tablet packed with features.

Preorder the iPad Air M4 and save $40 at Walmart

The latest iPad Air packs Apple's M4 processor, which Apple claims is 30% faster than its predecessor, delivering laptop-like performance and powering Apple Intelligence. The tablet also features an 11-inch LED display, Wi-Fi 7 support, LTE or 5G connectivity, and now includes 12GB of RAM. You also get a 12MP front and rear camera, Touch ID, and an all-day battery life.

The iPad Air M4 ships on March 11, and I can't guarantee Walmart will have this impressive discount once preorders are over. If you want to get Apple's newest iPad for the lowest price possible with no strings attached, then I highly recommend this deal while it's available.

This week's Apple March event unveiled new devices, including the iPhone 17e, iPad Air M4, MacBook Neo, and MacBook Pro M5, all of which are available for preorder. As TechRadar's deals editor, it's my job to find the best preorder deals, and as of right now, Best Buy is leading the pack.

• Shop Apple's full shopping event sale

The retailer is offering discounts, trade-in offers, and free gift cards on the iPad Air, the MacBook Neo, and the MacBook Pro 5. Preorder deals on Apple devices are extremely rare, which is why Best Buy's current offers are so incredible.

Perhaps the best deal is on the iPad Air M4, thanks to a trade-in offer that can get you the tablet for as little as $249, plus a $40 discount with no strings attached. If you're interested in Apple's cheapest MacBook, you can get a free $50 e-gift card when you preorder the $599 MacBook Neo. And last but not least, you can score a $100 free e-gift card with the powerful MacBook Pro M5.

One thing to keep in mind while shopping Best Buy's preorder offers is that its apart of its Apple event sale. That means today's deals are limited-time offers that end on Sunday at Midnight, and this might be your only chance to preorder a brand-new Apple device at a discounted price.

The best preorder Apple deals at Best Buy

This week's Apple March event unveiled the iPad Air M4, which is officially available to preorder starting today. That typically means you can now find really good deals on older models, like this fantastic offer that I've spotted at Amazon.

• Shop more Apple deals at Amazon

The retailer has the 2025 11-inch iPad Air M3 with Wi-Fi and Cellular on sale for only $599 (originally $749), which is the lowest price we've ever seen. The new 11-inch iPad M4 retails for $599 without Cellular, which means you can grab the M3 iPad for the same price and get internet access wherever you are.

Today's best deal on the iPad Air M3

The biggest difference between the iPad Air M4 and its predecessor is Apple's M4 processor, which Apple claims is now 30% faster. The new iPad also now includes 12GB of RAM and support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

The iPad Air M3 is still an excellent tablet that delivers laptop-like speed and performance with a sleek 11-inch Liquid Retina display, 128GB of storage, 12MP front and rear cameras, and support for Apple's AI features.

The iPad Air M3 with Cellular for $599 is a fantastic buy, and with Cellular connectivity, it's a better value for most people than the new M4 model.

The all-new iPad Air M4 was unveiled earlier this week at the Apple March event, and it's officially available to preorder. If you're looking to upgrade to the powerful iPad, then Apple has an incredible trade-in offer that can get you the tablet for free.

• Shop all of Apple's newest devices

Apple is offering up to $670 in credits toward your iPad (starting at $40) when you trade in a qualifying Apple device. When you pre-order your iPad, you'll select 'add a trade-in,' and you'll be asked a few questions to get your estimated trade-in value. If you choose to finance your iPad, Apple will apply the trade-in value as instant credit. If you pay the full amount, they'll credit your payment method once they've received and evaluated your trade-in.

Today's best preorder deal on the iPad Air M4

The Apple iPad M4 starts at $599 for 128GB, $699 for 256GB, $899 for 512GB, and $1,000 for 1 TB. The newest iPad packs Apple's M4 processor, which delivers laptop-like power and seep and powers Apple Intelligence. The tablet also features an 11-inch LED display, Wi-Fi 7 support, LTE or 5G connectivity, and an all-day battery life.

Apple's trade-in offer can get you the iPad Air M4 for free, depending on what model you pick and your estimated trade-in value. This is a fantastic offer if you have an older iPad and want to upgrade to the newest iPad Air.

Shop more of today's iPad Air M4 deals

• Amazon: in stock from $599
• Best Buy: $40 off, plus up to $350 with trade-in
• Walmart: on sale for $559 - save $40

Apple recently announced a new iPad Air and there’s already a great way to save on preorders. From 9:15am ET on March 4, you will be able to preorder the Apple iPad Air (M4) at Best Buy from as little as $249 when trading in.

To grab the best discount, you need to trade in a fairly new device. For instance, if you trade in the iPad Air (M3) 11-inch model or an iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen), you get $350 trade-in towards the iPad Air (M4). If you trade in the iPad mini (6th Gen), you get $200 off.

It’s worth playing around with the trade-in system to see how you can save while getting rid of unwanted older tech. Bear in mind that how cheap that makes the Apple iPad Air (M4) depends on which model you’re aiming for.

The Apple iPad Air (M4) provides the same design as previous models, but it now uses Apple’s much more powerful M4 chip. There’s also Wi-Fi 7 support, and LTE or 5G for relevant models. Think of this all as a small but important upgrade if you want the fastest iPad Air around. It's sleek enough to carry around easily, too.

iPad Air preorder deal at Best Buy

As the Apple iPad Air (M4) has only just been announced, we haven’t had any hands-on time with it yet. However, we gave the iPad Air (M3) a highly respectable 4.5 stars out of five. We appreciated the power that the M3 chip offers, its “vibrant screen”, and “strong battery life and audio."

That seems almost certain to carry over to this M4 model, so we’re counting on it riding high in our look at the best iPads soon.

For Apple enthusiasts, it’ll be one of the best tablets to upgrade to, even if it’s a relatively subtle improvement over the previous model. If you need something more powerful than your phone but more portable than your laptop, this is a great way to bridge the gap.

If you can’t wait for the latest model or you want to buy something a little cheaper, take a look at the other iPad deals currently going on. There are some good tablet deals around for every budget and need.

• Apple has announced a new iPad Air
• The iPad Air now features the M4 chip alongside the N1 and C1X
• It keeps the starting price as the previous iPad Air with M3

Well, Tim Cook teased a big week ahead of Apple’s invite-only March 4, 2026, event, and the Cupertino-based tech giant is wasting no time. Apple has just announced an upgraded iPad Air with the M4 chip inside.

Now, while there isn't much to speak about in terms of design, Apple is supercharging things under the hood with better-equipped, more powerful silicon. And that’s really something we’ve come to expect from Apple’s now-annual refreshes of its mid-range iPads.

The iPad Air still sports a modern design, available in two sizes – 11-inch and 13-inch – with Touch ID for easy authentication and support for the Apple Pencil Pro, but the real upgrade here is the swap to Apple’s M4 chip from the M3. Apple promises a big boost, even generation over generation, as the M4 iPad Air is up to 30% faster than the M3.

It’s also not just the M4 chip, though; Apple is also upgrading connectivity with its own in-house chips – the N1 and C1X – for fast Wi-Fi 7 and LTE or 5G connectivity. All of this should make iPadOS 26 run smoothly and, honestly, continue to position the iPad Air as the Pro-level iPad for most consumers.

It still comes in four color options – blue, purple, starlight, or space gray – and starts at the same price in the United States. That’s $599 / £599 / AU$999 for the 11-inch iPad Air and $799 / £799 / AU$1249 for the 13-inch iPad Air, both with 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The M4 chip should keeps things fresh

As I noted above, the main change with the iPad Air in 2026 is the chip. The M4 chip inside is configured with an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It's also getting a 50% increase in RAM, now up to 12GB, which should make this iPad well-equipped for multitasking and more intense processes. With the latter, think 3D rendering in apps and large exports.

Beyond the improvements for general use I shared above, Apple also promises that the M4 iPad Air will deliver up to 4x faster 3D pro rendering with ray tracing compared to the original iPad Air with M1. I suspect this will really shine with video and photo editing, alongside other creative tasks and gaming on the iPad Air.

Alongside the Apple-made M4 chip, there are two other additions inside that bring more robust connectivity. The N1 chip means the iPad Air supports Thread, Bluetooth 6, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, with the latter being new. Apple’s own C1X modem, which debuted on the iPhone Air, will power cellular connectivity on eligible iPad Air models. As with most previous iPad models, the Air with M4 is eSIM-only.

Between the M4 chip, the N1, and the C1X silicon, that about wraps up the major changes for the iPad Air. It still offers Touch ID in the power button paired with either an 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display with support for True Tone, Wide Color (P3), and an anti-reflective coating.

One note on display size: Apple is rounding up slightly, but these are the same as the last generation — the 11-inch is actually 10.86 inches, and the 13-inch is 12.9 inches, both measured diagonally.

The iPad Air with M4 still starts at 128GB of storage, but you can configure it up to 1TB. Pricing starts at $599 / £599 / AU$999 for the 11-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi or $799 / £799 / AU$1249 for the 13-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi. As always, cellular models start a bit higher at $749 for the 11-inch and $949 for the 13-inch. It's still compatible with the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air — both sizes — and works with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Apple will kick off preorders for the iPad Air with M4 on March 4, 2026, and it will officially launch on March 11, 2026.

We'll be going hands-on with the latest iPad Air as soon as we can. Let us know what you think about the upgrade from M3 to M4 in the comments below.

• iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 get NATO Restricted approval with no software changes required
• Apple stressed it makes secure devices for "all its users" – not just NATO
• The latest M5 and A19 chips get a special shoutout

Apple has confirmed iPhones and iPads running iOS/iPadOS 26 and later have been approved to handle classified information up to NATO Restricted level – the first time any consumer devices have been rated to such an extreme.

NATO's Information Assurance Product Catalogue also lists eligible devices running the indigo configuration, stating that they provide secure access to Mail, Calendar and Contacts data.

"Indigo doesn’t require any special additional software or settings beyond managing and supervising devices using a device management service," NATO wrote, acknowledging that off-the-shelf iPhones and iPads are covered.

iPhones and iPads are now NATO Restricted-certified

Apple credited features like "best-in-class encryption, biometric authentication with Face ID, and groundbreaking features like Memory Integrity Enforcement" for its certification. NATO also acknowledged Apple Silicon, which features Secure Enclave's encryption.

iOS 26 is backwards compatible all the way back to the iPhone 11 family and iPhone SE 2. iPadOS 26 also supports older devices, spanning beyond M-series chips to some A-series chips.

Though the NATO certification covers the operating systems suggesting all supported devices are covered, the organization did reference the always-on memory safety for M5 and A19 devices, implying newer devices may be more suitable.

Devices aside, the accreditation comes from Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)'s testing and analysis.

"Expanding on BSI’s rigorous audit of iOS and iPadOS platform and device security for use in classified German information environments, we are pleased to confirm the compliance under NATO nations’ assurance requirements," BSI President Claudia Plattner wrote.

Apple stressed that its intention was not to create NATO-grade secure devices, but rather to create secure devices for all. "Apple has built the most secure devices in the world for all its users, Security Engineering and Architecture VP Ivan Krstić added, "and those same protections are now uniquely certified under assurance requirements for NATO nations – unlike any other device in the industry."

• Tim Cook teases 'a big week ahead' in a post on X
• Apple's already confirmed an experience happening on March 4
• Cook notes that the news will start on Monday, March 2

Ahead of Apple’s confirmed March 4, 2026 experience – which invited media, creators, and guests, including TechRadar – CEO Tim Cook is teasing “a big week ahead.”

That’s quite the tease, and Cook goes further in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “It all starts Monday morning!” This suggests we may see several days of announcements leading up to the March 4 experience rather than a single event. That will likely be where Apple showcases the full new lineup, rumored to include new iPads, a follow-up to the iPhone 16e, and several new Macs.

The latter is expected to take center stage, potentially headlined by the long-rumored low-cost MacBook, and the attached video teaser Cook shared certainly seems to support that theory. Here’s the full post from Tim Cook on X.

This isn't the first time Cook has teased products and news on X either. In 2025, he teased both the arrival of the iPhone 16e and new iPads and MacBooks by saying something was in the “Air.”

This time around, rumors of a new entry-level iPad and iPad Air, a successor to the iPhone 16e, and several new Macs have been circling. The attached video shows a hand playing with a shape to form an Apple logo in the same silver color that many Apple products come in, including Macs.

I mean, it's hard not to see the surface as the rear of a top lid on a MacBook Air or Pro, as well as the top of a Mac mini or Mac Studio. Though one could also say the hand playing around with the logo elements to make the final shape is hinting at gestures, I don't think that's the focus here ... at least not yet.

Leading the rumor pack is the purported arrival of the low-cost MacBook. This long-rumored device would represent a new entry-level option in the all-in-one, portable Mac family, and at a significantly lower price point. It's likely to arrive at $699 with a similar form, hopefully paired with a much more colorful build, and rather than an M-series processor, it'll use an A-series chip that can still run macOS, and likely pretty well.

Adding to the rumored fun color options for this low-cost MacBook is the fact that the press invites for the March 4, 2026, event featured Apple logos in several colors – yellow, blue, and light green. Beyond a low-cost MacBook, it's likely that Apple will use next week to roll out the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips into the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.

For the iPad, we're expecting a pretty similar update to what the entry-level iPad and the iPad Air received in early 2025. That would be a processor upgrade for both: the iPad Air would get the M4 chip – offering even more performance in a great build – and the new base iPad, which would be the 12th gen, would get an A18 chip. That would speed things up from the A16 chip and also enable Apple Intelligence support.

Lastly, we're pretty confident based on reports and rumors – and timing – that the iPhone 17e will arrive next week. This mid-range iPhone would succeed the iPhone 16e and likely keep the same overall build, but speed things up with the A19 processor. That same chip powers the iPhone 17 and should offer a fast experience, even if it's a slightly less powerful variant – think losing a core or two.

Of course, there's always a chance we could see something else unveiled, and Tim Cook is teasing that it'll be a big week. Might that mean we see a next-generation Studio Display? Or potentially upgrades to the MacBook Air, Mac mini, or Mac Studio? Time will certainly tell, and we only have a few days until Monday, March 2, 2026, when TechRadar will report on it all, along with our expert analysis. Let us know in the comments below what you're most excited to see.

Apple isn't exactly known for undercutting its rivals with affordable price tags, so it's unusual to hear that the premium brand is on the verge of launching an affordable MacBook – or so the rumors claim.

That growing speculation, which comes from reputable sources including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, suggests that a cheaper MacBook could arrive as soon as March 4 in a variety of bright colors.

The new laptop will apparently be much cheaper than Apple's current lowest-priced MacBook, the $999 MacBook Air, with the price tag potentially going as low as $599 or $699.

On paper, that means it could be a great option for people considering getting an iPad Air. And in my view, it’ll likely be a much better choice for a lot of people.

A tempting iPad alternative

For years, customers looking for an affordable MacBook have been told to get an iPad and pair it up with a keyboard case. That brings both protection and a laptop-like experience without the high cost of one of Apple’s laptops.

But I’ve never been wholly convinced by this argument. Sure, combining an iPad with a keyboard case is cheaper than a shelling out on a MacBook, but in my view the experience isn’t anywhere near as good.

For one thing, iPadOS doesn’t feel as powerful as macOS – it’s designed for touch controls rather than a mouse and keyboard (despite some recent improvements), and many of the best Mac apps and Mac games are not compatible with iPadOS.

Keyboard cases also aren’t as satisfying to type on as a mechanical keyboard made for the Mac – and while you could pair one of these up with an iPad, doing so compromises its portability. If you’re a Mac fan looking to get the same typing feel on an iPad, you’ve got to make some sacrifices.

That's where the rumored cheaper MacBook, which will apparently be powered by an A18 Pro iPhone chip, could neatly fill a gap.

It’ll apparently be available in an array of “playful colors,” with Apple testing “light yellow, light green, blue, pink, classic silver and dark gray” over the past year. That makes it reminiscent of the iPhone 5c, which was a cheaper iPhone that came with several bright color options.

But unlike the iPhone 5c, the affordable MacBook will feature an aluminum chassis, meaning it’ll dodge the route taken by some budget laptops that are kitted out in flimsy plastic. Gurman says that Apple won’t be “cutting corners” when it comes to the device’s build quality, and that makes sense given Apple’s tendencies.

It’s also an important decision, as this low-cost MacBook will be many people’s initial experience of the Apple ecosystem. Clearly, Apple doesn’t want to give them a bad first impression.

By maintaining the quality, Apple also gives iPad users another reason to consider switching to the Mac. The use of aluminum ensures there’s no loss of quality by stepping up from, say, a $599 iPad Air to a MacBook that’s expected to cost around $700. If the new MacBook was made of plastic, that would be instantly off-putting for any existing iPad user.

Which should you pick?

That’s what we expect on a surface level, but how might the low-cost MacBook compare to the iPad Air’s performance? After all, a MacBook that feels great in the hand isn’t worth much if it can’t compete with a cheaper iPad Air.

One of the key questions is the chip housed inside the MacBook. This is widely touted to be Apple’s A18 Pro that originally launched in the iPhone 16 Pro in 2024. The current iPad Air, meanwhile, uses the M3 from 2023.

Despite the former being a mobile chip and the latter being designed for Macs, the two chips actually offer fairly similar performance according to benchmarks, with the A18 Pro pulling slightly ahead in single-core tests and the M3 taking the lead in multi-core performance.

Another area where customers will potentially find similarities is the display. The iPad Air can be bought in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, while Gurman’s reporting has claimed Apple will offer the MacBook with a display that’s a little smaller than the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch screen. Gurman says the MacBook’s display will be a “lower-end LCD display,” and while we don’t know exactly how that compares to the iPad Air, that tablet also uses LCD tech (as opposed to OLED or mini-LED).

Given the larger internal space in a laptop compared to a tablet, though, one key difference we can expect is with the battery. The current iPad Air will last up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback, according to Apple. The 13-inch MacBook Air, meanwhile, goes strong for up to 18 hours, with the slightly larger 14-inch MacBook Pro lasting for up to 24 hours. If battery life is important to you, the upcoming MacBook is likely to be a better bet than the iPad Air.

That said, the iPad’s flexibility is undoubtedly something the MacBook won’t be able to match. You can use the iPad Air as a tablet or as a laptop-style device when paired with a keyboard, and it packs in touchscreen tech that will be absent in the MacBook. It’s also much more compact and lightweight and can more easily fit into a backpack on your travels.

That all suggests that picking between the forthcoming MacBook and one of Apple’s tablets isn’t going to be a straightforward affair. But if you're thinking of buying a mid-range iPad, it does mean it's worth waiting until early March to find out.

A return to the Steve Jobs way

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs often said that he wanted to make good-quality tech products affordable, and many of the products he developed can be seen to have achieved that.

The original iPad, for example, was priced far lower than most analysts expected, despite its trailblazing features. The iMac G3, too, launched at close to half the price of comparable computers and helped to revolutionize the entire PC industry.

As Jobs himself put it, “I love it when you can bring really great design and simple capability to something that doesn’t cost much … It was the original vision for Apple.”

In that sense, we shouldn’t be too surprised to see an affordable MacBook make an appearance in Apple’s product roster. Making great tech at an approachable price has a strong history at Apple, even if it’s been hard to spot in recent years.

And if you’ve been looking to pick up a new iPad, it might just give you more food for thought.